Sir Roger Moore, Known For James Bond Role, Dead At 89

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter 

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Actor Sir Roger Moore, known for his role as James Bond, has died at the age of 89.

Moore, played the famous spy in seven James Bond films including 'Live and Let Die' and 'The Spy Who Loved Me.'

His family confirmed the news of his death on Twitter on Tuesday. They said he died after a short but brave battle with cancer.

With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated. pic.twitter.com/6dhiA6dnVg

— Sir Roger Moore (@sirrogermoore) May 23, 2017

Moore took over the iconic spy role from Sean Connery in 1972's "Live and Let Die." He played James Bond in seven films for over 12 years - longer than any other actor.

Moore became a household name playing action hero Simon Templar in the British TV series "The Saint."

Upon his death in Switzerland, his family says Moore considered his humanitarian work with UNICEF to be his greatest achievement in life.

Moore became a goodwill ambassador for the charity in 1991. He received knighthood from Queen Elizabeth a dozen years later.

Long after leaving Hollywood, the debonair actor shared a little of his self-deprecating humor of his time in Tinsel town when he was honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of fame.

"I walked onto a sound stage at MGM and I kissed Elizabeth Taylor….And then I made a film with Lana Turner and I got to kiss Lana Turner. I was so good at that, that MGM kissed me goodbye," said Moore in 2008.

Moore went on to author several books about his life and career as cinema's most famous spy.

Moore was married four times. His adult children say Moore will be remembered in a private funeral in Monaco.