Critically acclaimed actor Sir Toger Moore who portrayed James Bond longer than any other iteration, has died at age 89 from cancer. His children broke the news in a statement shared on his Twitter.

"It is with a heavy heart that we must announce our loving father, Sir Roger Moore, has passed away today in Switzerland after a short but brave battle with cancer," the statement said. "The love with which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone."

Moore rose to popularity in the 70s when he took over the lead in the James Bond franchise after George Lazenby stepped down. Since then, he has become a film icon for his charm and swagger that he brought to the role. Additionally, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2003 for his work in charity.

"My personality is entirely different than previous Bonds," Moore had previously said. "I'm not that cold-blooded killer type. Which is why I play it mostly for laughs."

Moore's portrayal in the James Bond films lasted longer than any other version of the secret agent. Starring in seven films, Moore helped bring in over a billion dollars in revenue. After leaving the role, Moore mostly retired from the spotlight, only taking on a few roles here and there. However in his later years, Moore would later comment on how he wished he had been able to play more roles as a villain.

"I wasn't an Albert Finney or a Tom Courtenay. I didn't have their natural talent, I had to work quite hard at acting," Moore said in a 2014 interview. "My life's been all right, but people like that get to play wonderful parts. I spent my life playing heroes because I looked like one. Practically everything I've been offered didn't require much beyond looking like me. I would have loved to have played a real baddie."

In addition to his family, Moore leaves behind a legacy of passion and grace. He was remembered with kind words on Twitter, where his name was the number one trending topic for a time.

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James bond, Movies