The day Roger Moore popped into Cov pub
FAMOUS names from the world of film and music have paid tribute to James Bond actor Roger Moore.
The 007 star died aged 89 following a short battle with cancer, his family confirmed yesterday in a statement on his official Twitter feed.
Sir Roger was much-loved for his role as the lothario spy from 1973 to 1985 and often took the time to speak to his fans, including during an impromptu stopoff at a Coventry pub.
He popped in for lunch at the Greyhound, at Sutton Stop, in 2014 and was more than happy to pose for a couple of photos.
Leigh Watts, landlord at the Greyhound, said at the time: “He was on his way down to Northampton from Liverpool as he was doing an ‘evening with’ show there and around the county at the moment.
“He phoned when he was about an hour away and booked for lunch for three as he was with his wife and driver. He even rang to say he would be about five minutes late, which was very polite of him.
“When he arrived we just let him get on with it - a couple of people took second glances, but nobody pestered him while he was here.
“It was only on the way out that a couple of people asked if he would pose for a photo.”
Tributes were led by fellow actor and Unicef ambassador Ewan McGregor, who said in a statement: “Thank you, Roger for having championed so tirelessly the rights of all children for the last 26 years.
“You introduced me to Unicef over a decade ago and have been an inspiration to all of us.”
His sentiments were echoed by the charity’s executive director Tony Lake, who commented: “With the passing of @sirrogermoore, the world has lost one of its great champions for children.”
Singer Boy George was among the wave of stars to share tributes on Twitter, posting: “R.I.P Sir Roger Moore. He was the king of cool.”
Lord Alan Sugar wrote: “R.I.P The Saint and 007,” while Tony Blackburn added: “So sad to hear Sir Roger Moore has died. He was a lovely man. R.I.P.”
Over in the US, Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston also shared a photo of the pair together and commented: “Saddened @sirrogermoore passed today