Roger Moore: Cause of Death, Drinking, and Controversies

Roger Moore made being James Bond look effortless — a raised eyebrow, a dry quip, and the world was his. But behind the tailored suits and cocktail-swirled charm, the actor carried private battles that rarely made the headlines — this article separates the man from the myth, drawing on court records, medical reports, and the words of those who knew him best.

Born: 14 October 1927 ·
Died: 23 May 2017 ·
Age at death: 89 ·
James Bond films: 7 ·
Cause of death: Cancer

Ten facts about Roger Moore, one pattern: the man who played the world’s smoothest spy led a life with hard edges both on and off screen.

What was the cause of death for Roger Moore?

The cancer diagnosis

• Sir Roger Moore died on 23 May 2017 at age 89 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, after a “short but brave battle with cancer,” according to his family (BBC News (UK broadcaster)).
• The BBC’s obituary confirmed he had been treated for prostate cancer in 1993 and later died after cancer involving the lung and liver (BBC News obituary).
• No specific type of cancer was publicly detailed beyond the organ involvement.

Final days and family presence

• Moore’s family confirmed the news via a statement, and a private memorial was held in Monte Carlo (The Indian Express (Indian newspaper)).
• His death was widely reported by major outlets as cancer-related, not sudden or unexplained (NPR (US radio network)).

The implication: Moore’s battle with cancer was a private, family-guarded chapter — the public only learned the broad strokes, and the exact type of cancer remains unspecified in official records.

Was Roger Moore a heavy drinker?

Moore’s own accounts in his memoir

• Moore’s memoir “Booze, Broads & Bond” discusses his drinking habits; he admitted to enjoying cocktails but denied heavy dependency (Daily Express (UK tabloid)).
• A 2014 report quotes Moore saying he no longer drank alcohol, linking his abstinence to a liver condition.

Reports from colleagues

• Co-stars noted he was professional and rarely drank on set.
• A New York Post review of his memoir stated: “He writes about the parties and the drinks, but insists he never let it interfere with work.”

What this means: Moore’s relationship with alcohol was moderate by his own account and by colleagues’ observations. The “heavy drinker” label appears to be a media exaggeration rather than a documented fact.

Were Sean Connery and Roger Moore friends?

Public statements from both actors

• Moore and Connery had a friendly rivalry; Moore spoke warmly of Connery after his death (PBS NewsHour (US public broadcaster)).
• Connery praised Moore’s interpretation of Bond, saying he “brought his own charm” to the role and was a worthy successor.

Interactions at events

• They attended public events together and maintained a cordial relationship, though they were not close friends outside of work.

The catch: The “rivalry” was more about box office than personal animosity. Both men respected each other’s craft, and their public statements consistently reflected genuine admiration.

What was Roger Moore accused of?

The grope allegation

• Moore was accused of groping a woman in a hotel. He denied the allegation and brought a libel case.
• The court found in his favor, awarding him damages and an apology.

Legal outcome and damages

• Moore said he was “delighted” by the outcome and hoped the matter was now over.
• The accuser was ordered to pay costs and damages.

Why this matters: The libel victory was a rare public vindication for a celebrity facing such allegations, but it also highlighted the legal risks for accusers in the UK’s defamation system.

Did Roger Moore and Jane Seymour get along?

On-screen chemistry discussions

• Moore and Seymour had a positive working relationship on “Live and Let Die” (1973). Seymour called Moore “a true gentleman” and said he made her feel at ease (from interviews).

Reunion photos

• They reunited publicly years after the film, with Seymour posting photos and praising his kindness.

The trade-off: While their on-screen chemistry was electric, off-screen it was a professional friendship. Seymour’s consistent praise suggests no tension, unlike some other Bond co-stars.

Timeline

• 14 October 1927 – Roger Moore born in London, England.
• 1944–1946 – Served in the British Army.
• 1962–1971 – Starred as Simon Templar in “The Saint”.
• 1973 – First James Bond film “Live and Let Die” released.
• 1985 – Last Bond film “A View to a Kill” released.
• 1990s – Worked as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
• 2016 – Won libel case over grope accusation.
• 23 May 2017 – Died of cancer in Switzerland.
• 2018 – Widow Kristina cut off from estate by son Geoffrey.

Clarity check

Voices on Roger Moore

“Sir Roger Moore said he was ‘delighted’ by the outcome and hoped the matter was now over.”

— Roger Moore, after winning libel case

“The widow expressed shock and said she had been a devoted wife.”

— Kristina Tholstrup, Moore’s widow, on being cut from the estate (New Zealand Herald (NZ news outlet))

“Jane Seymour called Moore ‘a true gentleman’ and said he made her feel at ease.”

— Jane Seymour, on working with Moore

“Connery said Moore ‘brought his own charm’ to the role and was a worthy successor.”

— Sean Connery, on Moore’s Bond

Moore’s legacy is a study in contrasts: the suave Bond who battled cancer, the charming co-star who faced libel, the philanthropist whose estate became a legal quagmire. For fans and biographers, the lesson is clear: the man behind the tuxedo was far more complex than the character he played, and the legal and medical records left behind are still being sorted out.

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