Roge Moore

Suave, sexy – and at one time the highest-paid actor in the world – the man behind James Bond had a softer side, too. By Jacqueline Lang

The struggling English actor was despondent. At 23, Roger Moore was broke, out of work, and his marriage was on the rocks. His wife, Doorn Van Steyn, an actress and ice skater he’d married five years earlier, was fed up with his inability to land a major part. “You’ll never be an actor!” Van Steyn, six years Moore’s senior, snapped at the part-time knitwear model. “Your face is too weak, your jaw is too big and your mouth’s too small!”

The marriage soon ended – but Moore’s acting career went on to flourish. At one stage, he was the world’s top-paid actor, his good looks and smooth English charm amassing fans across the globe. Had Van Steyn waited just a couple more years, she’d have watched her husband land a seven-year contract at MGM studios. By 1973, Roger Moore was a household name, landing the coveted role as the womanising secret agent James Bond 007, first played by Sean Connery. For seven movies over 12 years, Moore played the sexy spy in his trademark suave and witty way, replacing Connery’s harder, more macho style. In doing so, he became the longest-serving 007 in the franchise’s history. The role propelled him to superstardom and a Bond-like existence with luxury homes in Switzer - land, France and Monaco, hobnobbing with r oyalty and famous friends. He remained Hollywood hot property until his de ath from cancer this May.