Happy birthday, Sir Roger Moore

Sir Roger Moore, UNICEF representative and seven-time James Bond, celebrated his 82nd birthday on Oct. 14.

We’ve talked before about how some fans are split about his performances as 007. And, truth be told, the HMSS staff has taken its shots at Sir Roger at times in reviewing and discussing the films.

However, in many ways, Sir Roger is also one of the best ambassadors for the Bond film series, 24 years after he hung up his shoulder holster. Of the six Bonds, he seems to show up most often in TV specials or DVD documentaries. Here’s the start of just one example:

In recent years, Sir Roger has become involved in UNICEF and other causes. Here’s an example where he speaks out against foie gras. The video is disturbing but it’s supposed to be.

So happy birthday, Sir Roger, and many more.

James Bond is back… on the radio!

Toby Stephens

Actors Martin Jarvis and Rosalind Ayres are re-teaming with BBC Radio 4 to bring James Bond back to the radio.

As part of last year’s Ian Fleming centenary, the Jarvis and Ayres production company adapted Doctor No for the beeb, having been given special “one-off” permission by Eon Productions for the event. Toby Stephens (Gustav Graves in Die Another Day,) starred as 007, and David Suchet portrayed the titular character. Apparently, Eon was so impressed by the results that they approached the producers with an offer to do another. Goldfinger
has been chosen for this go-round, and Jarvis and Ayres are looking to bring back Stephens to the Bond role.

James Bond has been on the radio only twice before that — South African radio featured Moonraker in the 1950s, and Radio 4 did a production of You Only Live Twice in 1990.

Matthew Hemley’s complete story at The Stage News website, James Bond to return to radio as Goldfinger is adapted for BBC, has all the details.