Roger Moore's Spouses: The Loves Behind The Bond Icon

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Sir Roger Moore, an actor whose suave charm and debonair style defined an era of cinema, particularly through his iconic portrayal of James Bond, led a life as captivating off-screen as it was on. While his professional achievements are widely celebrated, the intricacies of his personal life, especially his relationships and marriages, offer a deeper insight into the man behind the legendary roles. Understanding the women who shared his life is crucial to grasping the full tapestry of Roger Moore's remarkable journey.

Beyond the glamour of Hollywood and the global espionage of 007, Moore navigated a complex romantic landscape, marrying four times throughout his life. Each marriage, a distinct chapter, contributed to his personal growth and public image, culminating in a final, enduring partnership that lasted until his passing. This article delves into the lives of Roger Moore's spouses, exploring the unique dynamics of each relationship and their significance in the life of this beloved British star.

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Roger Moore: A Brief Biography

Born Roger George Moore on October 14, 1927, in Stockwell, London, England, Sir Roger Moore embarked on a journey that would see him become one of Britain's most cherished actors. His early career saw him take on various roles in film and television, gradually building a reputation for his effortless charm and sophisticated demeanor. Before he became a global sensation, Moore honed his craft in a variety of productions, from early British films to American television series like "Ivanhoe" and "The Alaskans." However, it was his role as Simon Templar in "The Saint" that truly propelled him to international stardom, showcasing the witty, adventurous persona that would later define his most famous character.

In 1973, Roger Moore stepped into the shoes of James Bond, replacing Sean Connery, a role he would inhabit for seven feature films, including "Live and Let Die," "The Man with the Golden Gun," "The Spy Who Loved Me," and "Moonraker." His portrayal brought a lighter, more humorous touch to the secret agent, distinguishing his Bond from his predecessors. Beyond Bond, Moore maintained a prolific acting career, appearing in numerous other films and television shows. His contributions to the arts and his extensive philanthropic work, particularly as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, earned him a knighthood in 2003. Sir Roger Moore passed away on May 23, 2017, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of iconic performances and a life well-lived.

Personal Data & Biodata: Roger Moore

To provide a comprehensive overview of the legendary actor, here is a summary of Sir Roger Moore's key personal and biographical data:

AttributeDetail
Full NameRoger George Moore
BornOctober 14, 1927
DiedMay 23, 2017 (aged 89)
Place of BirthStockwell, London, England
NationalityBritish
OccupationActor, Producer
Known ForJames Bond (7 films), Simon Templar in "The Saint," Lord Brett Sinclair in "The Persuaders!"
Awards/HonorsKnight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE), UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
SpousesDoorn Van Steyn (m. 1946; div. 1953)
Dorothy Squires (m. 1953; div. 1968)
Luisa Mattioli (m. 1969; div. 1996)
Kristina Tholstrup (m. 2002; his death 2017)
ChildrenDeborah Moore, Geoffrey Moore, Christian Moore (with Luisa Mattioli)

Doorn Van Steyn: The First Chapter

Roger Moore's romantic journey began early in his life, leading to his first marriage to Doorn Van Steyn. Born Lucy Woodard, she was an ice skater and actress, sharing Moore's world of performance and entertainment. The couple tied the knot when Moore was just 18 years old, a testament to the impetuousness of youth and the allure of early love. Their marriage, however, was relatively brief, lasting from 1946 until their divorce in 1953. While specific details about the dissolution of this first union are less widely publicized compared to his later marriages, it is known that Moore left Doorn Van Steyn for another woman, singer Dorothy Squires. This early experience set a pattern for Moore's romantic life, characterized by a pursuit of new connections even while still legally bound to previous partners. Doorn Van Steyn's life after her marriage to Moore largely remained out of the public eye, but her role as his first wife marked the initial step in the complex romantic history of the future James Bond.

Dorothy Squires: A Tempestuous Union

Meeting and Marriage

The second woman to become Roger Moore's spouse was Dorothy Squires, a Welsh singer and actress who was significantly older than him. Their paths crossed in 1952, a pivotal year for Moore as he was still married to Doorn Van Steyn. Squires, already a celebrated figure in the entertainment world, met Moore at one of her parties held at her mansion in Old Bexley, Kent. Despite the age difference – Dorothy was 13 years his senior, and Moore was 12 years her junior – a powerful attraction developed between them. This relationship quickly led to Moore leaving his first wife. The couple married on July 6, 1953, in New Jersey, shortly after Moore's divorce from Van Steyn was finalized. Dorothy Squires was a formidable personality, known for her powerful voice and equally strong character. Their union was marked by passion, but also by considerable turbulence.

The Complex Years

The marriage between Roger Moore and Dorothy Squires was notoriously tumultuous, filled with dramatic highs and lows that often played out in the public eye. Squires herself once famously said of their relationship, "It started with a..." hinting at the intense and often volatile nature of their bond. Despite the passion, their age difference and differing career trajectories eventually put immense strain on the marriage. As Moore's career began to ascend, particularly with his growing fame in "The Saint," Squires' own career was experiencing shifts. The pressures of their respective professions, coupled with their strong personalities, led to frequent arguments and public spats. This period was a significant learning curve for Moore, shaping his understanding of relationships under the spotlight. Their marriage officially ended in divorce in 1968, though they had been separated for some time prior. Dorothy Squires, a woman who reportedly made Elvis Presley cry with her voice, faded from mainstream public memory in later years, but her fiery relationship with Roger Moore remains a notable chapter in his life.

Luisa Mattioli: The Longest Partnership

A New Beginning

Following the end of his marriage to Dorothy Squires, Roger Moore found love again with Italian actress Luisa Mattioli. Their relationship began while Moore was still legally married to Squires, a pattern that seemed to recur in his life. Mattioli and Moore met on the set of the 1961 Italian film "Romulus and the Sabines." Their connection was immediate and profound, leading

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