Tributes are pouring in for Roger Moore, who has died in Switzerland at the age of 89.
The James Bond star, who famously portrayed 007 in seven films, died following a "short but brave battle with cancer", his family said.
Singer Michael Ball, who was good friends with the veteran actor, wrote: "My dearest uncle Roger has passed on. What a sad, sad day this is. Loved the bones of him. Generous, funny, beautiful and kind".
Trainspotting star Ewan McGregor paid tribute to Moore's dedication to charity.
"Thank you, Roger for having championed so tirelessly the rights of all children for the last 26 years," he said.
"You introduced me to UNICEF over a decade ago and have been an inspiration to all of us [...] You've shown that we all have the power to make a change to the lives of the most vulnerable children."
Andrew Lloyd Webber also paid tribute to his work for UNICEF and tweeted: "Farewell dearest Roger."
Meanwhile, a tweet recounting one young fan's encounters with Moore was retweeted thousands of times this afternoon:
This truly wonderful Roger story from @marchaynes is soothing my aching soul. 😪 pic.twitter.com/DM7zhybLrs
— Ken Shabby (@MrKenShabby) May 23, 2017
The official James Bond account said the team behind the franchise were 'heartbroken' by the news:
We are heartbroken at the news of Sir Roger Moore’s passing. We shall miss him enormously. Our love and thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/Kl7lhg2TzJ
— James Bond (@007) May 23, 2017
Richard E Grant praised the Bond star's sense of humour:
Worked with Roger Moore on SPICEWORLD and he was an officer and a gentleman of the first order. Sense of humour as dry as a martini. RIP XXX
— Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) May 23, 2017
Russell Crowe tweeted that he "loved him", adding:
At 10 I used to try to dress like Simon Templar .
My mother worked part time at the Indonesian embassy.
Added intrigue to my persona .— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 23, 2017
Actress Mia Farrow said: "Few are as kind & giving as was Roger Moore. Loving thoughts w his family & friends. He will be missed too by UNICEF."
Film director Edgar Wright wrote:
RIP Sir Roger Moore. My first Bond and one of the first actors that I loved as a kid. And a lovely, funny, warm person to boot. Farewell.
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) May 23, 2017
Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston also shared a photo of the pair together and commented:
Saddened @sirrogermoore passed today. Had a great chat about acting & life 6 mo. ago. Generous and kind. RIP Mr. Bond pic.twitter.com/kVd92inLNr
— Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) May 23, 2017
TV presenter Gary Lineker wrote: "Saddened to hear Sir Roger Moore passed away. James Bond should never die".
