Roger Moore -- who played James Bond seven times and made his name as The Saint -- passed away on May 23 2017. He was 89 years old. As the British secret agent, he brought energy and light-hearted appeal. In my view, he seemed a lot campier than Sean Connery’s impression. Yet fond memories remain, such as the classic Golden Gate Bridge finale in A View to a Kill. Adding to which, he brought class to Octopussy and genuine efficiency throughout Live and Let Die. In short, he was one of my favourite James Bonds.

Notably, there was a pastiche of his 007 persona in The Cannonball Run. Although his character goes by the name Seymour Goldfarb Jr, he pretends to be a dashing movie star under his own name, Roger Moore. Consequently, every time he reappears there’s a different woman in his company. Funny indeed.  

Television viewers might remember him best as Simon Templar in The Saint. This series played throughout the 1960s. In particular, there were smart production values elevated by the use of black and white. Adding to which, Moore would occasionally break the fourth wall or make eye contact with the camera.

It was these choices: elegance and calm under pressure that allowed Moore to find his niche. One thing’s for sure, we never tired of seeing him navigate deadly terrain, reacting quickly in order to escape.

He will be missed.

Roger Moore (1927-2017)