Sir Roger Moore, James Bond Actor, Dies Aged 89

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Image captionSir Roger Moore has died at the age of 89 following “a short but brave battle with cancer”

Actor Sir Roger Moore, best known for playing James Bond, has died aged 89, his family has announced.

He played the famous spy in seven Bond films including Live and Let Die and A View to a Kill.

Sir Roger’s family confirmed the news on Twitter, saying he had died after “a short but brave battle with cancer”.

The statement, from his children, read: “Thank you Pops for being you, and being so very special to so many people.”

“With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated,” they said in a Twitter post.

Obituary: Sir Roger Moore

The actor took the character of James Bond in a more humorous direction than his predecessor Sean Connery.

Sir Roger’s Bond was calm and suave – a smooth operator who could seemingly get himself out of a tricky situation with ease.

The veteran star, who died in Switzerland, will have a private funeral in Monaco in accordance with his wishes, his children said.

“The love with which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone,” read the statement from Deborah, Geoffrey and Christian.

“Our thoughts must now turn to supporting Kristina [Tholstrup, his wife] at this difficult time.”

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Image captionSir Roger is survived by his three children and wife Kristina Tholstrup

The statement added: “We know our own love and admiration will be magnified many times over, across the world, by people who knew him for his films, his television shows and his passionate work for UNICEF which he considered to be his greatest achievement.

Along with his famous Bond role, Moore was also known for 1960s TV series The Persuaders and The Saint.

Media captionSir Roger Moore reminisces about his Hollywood career and playing 007

Sir Roger was also well known for his humanitarian work – he was introduced to Unicef by the late Audrey Hepburn and was appointed as a goodwill ambassador in 1991.

Stars pay tribute

Russell Crowe led the tributes to the actor on Twitter, writing simply: “Roger Moore, loved him.”

Michael Ball said: “My dearest uncle Roger has passed on. What a sad, sad day this is. Loved the bones of him. Generous, funny, beautiful and kind.”

Mia Farrow wrote: “Few are as kind & giving as was Roger Moore. Loving thoughts with his family & friends,” while Boy George added: “RIP Sir Roger Moore. He was the king of cool.”

In a statement, fellow Unicef ambassador and actor Ewan McGregor said: “Thank you, Roger, for having championed so tirelessly the rights of all children for the last 26 years.

“You’ve shown that we all have the power to make a change to the lives of the most vulnerable children.”

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Image captionSir Roger’s Bond credits include Moonraker, Octopussy and Live and Let Die

Moore’s Bond movies

Live and Let Die (1973)

The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Moonraker (1979)

For Your Eyes Only (1981)

Octopussy (1983)

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40018422