His family said the movie star lost a "short but brave battle against cancer".
ADVERTISEMENTJames Bond legend Sir Roger Moore died aged 89 on Tuesday, his family said in a statement.
They said the movie star had lost a “short but brave battle against cancer”.
“It is with a heavy heart that we must announce our loving father, Sir Roger Moore, has passed away today in Switzerland,” the statement read.
“We know our own love and admiration will be magnified many times over, across the world, by people who knew him for his films, television shows and his passionate work for UNICEF, which he considered to be his greatest achievement.”
With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated. pic.twitter.com/6dhiA6dnVg
— Sir Roger Moore (@sirrogermoore) May 23, 2017
Roger Moore, Legendary James Bond Actor, Dead at 89 https://t.co/21V9LkrhGC via
TVLine</a> <a href="https://t.co/iKtgxitaMl">pic.twitter.com/iKtgxitaMl</a></p>— Michael Ausiello (MichaelAusiello) May 23, 2017
Moore was best known as the longest running incarnation of James Bond, embracing the role in seven movies, from “Live and Let Die” in 1973 to “A view to a kill” in 1985.
The role of the British secret agent eager for danger and gorgeous women made Moore a millionaire and a heartthrob the world over.
In the early 1960’s and 1970’s, Moore had already shot to fame in England with roles in hit shows “The Saint” and “The Persuaders”.
After handing over the role of Bond to Timothy Dalton, Moore went into semi-retirement, living a millionaire’s life and travelling between his homes in Los Angeles, Switzerland and the south of France.
He also devoted time to humanitarian work and became a Unicef goodwill ambassador in 1991.
Moore is survived by his fourth wife, Kristina Tholstrup, and three children.
Can't believe it. RIP #Rogermoore. I've grown up watching you & thanks for all your thrilling witty agent action. https://t.co/W50PNS0pnW
— Blackadeus (@blackadeus) May 23, 2017