Roger Moore's Swiss resort mourns loss of "extraordinary" gentleman

Record ID: 900634

  • Title: Roger Moore's Swiss resort mourns loss of "extraordinary" gentleman
  • Date: 24th May 2017
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRIEND OF MOORE FOR 20 YEARS AND HIS RIGHT-HAND MAN IN THE REGION, JORG ROMANG, SAYING: "He gave a lot to Switzerland, to the Valais, and more specifically over these last years to Crans-Montana. He was simply extraordinary, participating in any kind of event, in charities, involving himself in ski world cups, in sport, in golf - he was given the title of member of honour of the region's golf club, he was a member of honour of the bourgeoisie. He also took part in cultural events. Some years ago, several young people, including three from the region, started a festival called "Caprice" which still exists, and he immediately accepted to be this festival's ambassador to help them start, raise funds, and communicate."
  • Embargoed: 7th June 2017 19:06
  • Keywords: James Bond death Switzerland Roger Moore
  • Location: CRANS-MONTANA, SWITZERLAND
  • City: CRANS-MONTANA, SWITZERLAND
  • Country: Switzerland
  • Topics: Celebrities,Arts / Culture / Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA0096I789C7
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: FOR ADDITIONAL FILE OF ROGER MOORE PLEASE REFER TO EDIT 2224-PEOPLE-MOORE/ SENT ON MAY 23, 2017
    Residents from the Swiss Alpine municipality of Crans-Montana, where Roger Moore spent the final years of his life, mourned on Wednesday (May 24) the loss of what they described as an "exceptional" and kind gentleman after the James Bond actor died on Tuesday (May 23) at the age of 89.
    Moore settled in the ski resort in the heart of the Swiss Alps almost twenty years ago where he enjoyed, according to close friends, the privacy of Swiss people and the lifestyle the country provided.
    His 12 years as action man 007, the fictitious spy with a voracious appetite for danger and sex, made Moore a millionaire and a heartthrob the world over, though in reality he was a shy, private man who found some of Bond's escapades embarrassing.
    According to Crans-Montana inhabitants, Moore behaved like any other resident in the municipality, going to shops, restaurants, and always smiling and being kind and pleasant to everyone.
    Owner of local pizzeria "Le Michelangelo" Aleksander Kalajdzic said Moore would eat at the restaurant with his wife Kristina Tholstrup several times a week, and would always say hello to clients and staff before taking his seat.
    He also took part in regional activities, and was happy to use his well-known name to promote local events, his friend Jorg Romang told Reuters TV.
    "I quite like to think and say that the world gentleman was created after Roger Moore," Romang, who met the film star when he gave Moore ski lessons 20 years ago, said.
    The municipality is considering organising an official tribute in memory of one of its best known inhabitants.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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