The Kenblog: “Farewell To Sir Roger Moore!”

 

 

Howdy Folks!   It’s The Kendog!

Roger Moore As James Bond: 007

 

 

 

 

 

It’s with a heavy heart that I write of the passing of Sir Roger Moore, the classy actor who played the role of James Bond for more films than any other and for many children of the 70’s, including me, served as the ultimate incarnation of the character.   Moore died yesterday at the age of 89 after a short bout with cancer, leaving behind a legacy that not only included the world’s most suave superspy but one of incredibly dedicated public service that spoke to his kindness, generosity and heart.  

From a Bond standpoint, Moore is my least favorite of the six actors who played him, but to be fair that’s like trying to tell you of my least favorite Christmas.   Moore was perfect for the era in which he portrayed James Bond: charming to a fault, a tad on the goofy side, and more reliant of over-the-top tech than actual spy craft.   He was my entry into the world of MI6, Moneypenny, and martinis prepared shaken, not stirred.   As a kid l loved the fact that Moore’s  tuxedo never got so much as a lick of dust on it even when he’s traipsing through the deserts of Egypt.   I loved the over-the-top villains like Jaws and the equally over-the-top, take-over-the-world plans of masterminds like Stromberg or Hugo Drax.   And I loved the gadgets like the Lotus sports car that turns into a submarine or the watch magnet or even the gondola that becomes a car.

 

As I grew older I came to love the other incarnations of Bond, especially the portrayals of Connery and later, Daniel Craig, as tougher individuals whose ruggedness gave them a more believable appearance of a spy or assassin.  But I still hold a soft spot in my heart for Sir Roger Moore, and my affection for his life is enhanced by his role as a UNICEF ambassador and his willingness to make fun of his Bond persona (his role in “Cannonball Run”was one of the film’s highpoints.).

 

By all appearances, Sir Roger lived a full life and whatever his future holds on the other side should be without much in the way of regret, but a death like this always hits like a sucker punch.  James Bond has been an icon of cinema for fifty-five years and counting and always seems to be timeless. It’s a ridiculous notion of course, but I’ve always expected the actors who have played Bond to be equally as timeless.   Life and time don’t work that way, of course, but that doesn’t make the sentiment any less true.   In the words of Carly Simon, “Nobody did it better!   My thoughts and prayers or with the family and friends of Sir Roger Moore. The gentleman’s gentleman will be missed.   So Sayeth The Kendog!

Below are some clips from some of  Moore’s best known work.   Feel free to comment below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *