Roger Moore played James Bond between 1973 and 1985

Veteran actor and popular “James Bond” icon, Sir Roger Moore has died in Switzerland at the age of 89.

In a statement released today on his Twitter account, his children said Moore, known for playing the famous secret agent 007 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,” the Twitter post said.

Before his glittering Hollywood carrier, the calm and suave, smooth-operating Moore served in the Royal Army Service Corps as a second lieutenant.

Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for “services to humanity,” the “Live And Let Live” actor became the third James Bond character in 1972 after Sean Connery and George Lazinby.

Born  October 14, 1927, Moore was appointed UNICEF’s Ambassador in 1992 and remains the longest serving James Bond till date in an acting career that spanned over 13 years.

Moore who featured as the lead actor in seven James Bond movies, would have a private funeral in Monaco in accordance with his wishes.