Navigation::
Home |
Roger Moore was born on October 14. 1927, at the Annie McCall maternity hospital in Jeffery's Road, London, SW4. His father, George Alfred Moore, a Bow Street police constable and Plan Drawer and his Mother, Lily Moore, born in India, the daughter of a Regimental Sergeant. A young Roger was brought up at 4 Aldebert Terrace, London SW8, however it was not until 1940 that Mr Moore went to a distinguished Grammar school. He was evacuated during the Blitz to Amersham, with his mother. Later he returned to London, and spent a lot of time huddling in the Anderson shelters. During his school years he was rather a rogue, for example annoying a particular classmate by thumping her head with a green textbook. Upon leaving school his first job was as an animator - obtained through a friend of his father's, where he made animation's for the war effort at Publicity Picture Productions, D'Arblay Street London W1. Although sacked for forgetting to deliver a can of film he did attain his ACTI card, which would allow him to direct on The Saint during the 1960s. After the war, following
his leave from Germany during National Service, he married Doorn Van Stwyn
on Dec. 9th, 1946, in a small ceremony at Wandsworth registry office.
He starred in various
films during the fringe years between the late 40's and early 50's, with
his first major role finally in Diane (1955). After returning to
the UK he starred in The Saint, a show about a loveable rogue who used
his 'talents' to help friends or people in trouble. The show ran from
1962 to 1969, and over 118 episodes. One of the best episodes of the colour series, in my humble opinion, is The House on Dragons Rock, starring alongside Roger was Anette Andre - better known in cult circles as Marty Hopkirk's Wife and Jeff Randall's secretary Jeannie in Randall and Hopkirk [deceased]. This episode was scripted by Roger and, I believe, portions of it were directed by him also. This show projected Roger into the public mind and it was the suave, debonair, 'butter wouldn't melt in his mouth' character which helped him to secure The Persuaders and ultimately one of Cinemas most coveted roles, that of James Bond 007! The Persuaders prevented Roger from taking over from Connery in 1969 and it was unexpected that he would be free in 1973 for Live and Let Die. The Persuaders! was
a show which combined Roger with Tony Curtis (Some Like It Hot) as two
successful men who would do anything for a challenge (making and losing
fortunes was a days work for Danny, while Brett just re-invested in his
philandering ways). After being 'blackmailed' by The Judge, the 2 go off
on their first assignment as 'P.I.'s' for want of a better description,
because ultimately they are detectives, helping out people in distress.
Using action and comedy with numerous madcap plots. The show was a huge
success in Europe, and still has a large following today with multiple
versions being released in Germany, France and the UK on DVD! It has even
got a DVD release in America with Roger's commentary on a couple of the
episodes which is a surprise as it was however unsuccessful in the US
at the time and therefore Roger became free to pursue his 'characteristic'
performance of Bond. After a tremendous run of 12 years as the world's favourite secret agent, Roger stepped down after taking the franchise to new heights both financially and in terms of the way the character was portrayed - more comedy was injected, making the films even more enjoyable. Arguably to the distaste of some, who feel Connery is the best - and I am happy to accept their opinion. A debate which has been done to death, and is not worth sixpence here! Following his departure he continued to make periodic films including Bed & Breakfast, Bullseye and Spice Girls: The Movie. Despite not becoming as 'successful' as his other close friends, Sean Connery and Michael Caine, Roger still has a huge following and he has achieved more in other areas of his life; only venturing into the public domain when scripts are good enough or to bring awareness to UNICEF. In 1991 Roger was introduced to the UNICEF campaign by Audrey Hepburn via a press conference. Her passion prevented the media from talking 'movies' to Roger. It was this passion which got Roger working as a Goodwill Ambassador, on Audrey Hepburn's recommendation. Roger has toured the world with the aim of bringing home to us the plight of the Children from war torn poverty-stricken countries and Third World zones. As can be read in the Interview's reproduced on the site, he has been greatly moved by his meetings with adults and e |
|
© 1997 - Present. Text is copyright Victoria
Power. Images, Text and other articles from this site may not be reproduced
without permission. Any copyright not mine is mentioned and cited with text
and images. The Eyebrow logo, animation and stick man are all © and
TREO and all associated versions of this text are also bound by copyright
law. |