Roger Moore has died aged 89. This piece was originally published to celebrate the 50th anniversary of since Moore’s first appearance as Bond.

In 1986, David Horowitz, a public relations executive for ABC, found himself in an unusual situation as he picked up Roger Moore at Kennedy Airport. Despite never seeking autographs, Horowitz couldn’t resist asking Moore for one for his son. The reason? Moore had recently starred as James Bond in “A View to a Kill,” captivating audiences with his suave portrayal of the iconic secret agent.

Moore’s final Bond film showcased him facing off against Christopher Walken’s villainous character in a thrilling plot involving a blimp, espionage, and daring rescues. For Horowitz’s eight-year-old son, this cinematic adventure left a lasting impact, with Bond’s cool demeanor and resourcefulness serving as a role model comparable to a sports hero.

Returning home to Queens, New York, Horowitz surprised his son with a signed promotional headshot of Moore, proudly displayed above the light switch in his room. The autograph, “To Jason, With my best wishes, Roger Moore,” became a cherished memento, reminding Jason of the exciting world of James Bond and the enduring charm of Roger Moore.

I, Jason Horowitz, was that boy, and Roger Moore was my Bond. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the franchise, I present a defense of why Moore’s Bond—slightly geriatric, addicted to eyebrow raising, caddish to a fault—was, despite all evidence to the contrary, the greatest 007.

Let’s begin with his oddest movie, 1973’s Live and Let Die, a James Bond blaxploitation flick starring Yaphet Kotto but more memorably known for its quirky characters and Moore’s eyebrow-raising charm. At 45 years old and already on his third marriage, Moore brought a seasoned suaveness to the role, effortlessly navigating through gadgets and girls with a knowing smile.

Unlike the grit and tension of other Bonds, Moore’s movies were a delightful escape into exaggerated plots and whimsical action sequences. Who else but Moore could inhale treasure from a belly dancer’s belly button and then engage in a comical fight scene? His films like The Man With the Golden Gun and The Spy Who Loved Me delivered duels, memorable villains like Jaws, and a sense of adventure that was pure entertainment.

Outside of the screen, Moore’s sense of purpose extended to humanitarian efforts, including speaking out against foie gras. Yet, his legacy remains intertwined with the charm and playfulness he brought to the role of Bond. As he celebrates his 85th birthday, Moore continues to engage audiences with his experiences as Bond, reminding us that while it may not always be brilliant, it’s always a fun ride.