Marc Haynes’ Memorable Encounters with Roger Moore

Marc Haynes’ chance meeting with actor Roger Moore as a young boy left a lasting impression on him. Moore, known for playing the iconic British spy James Bond in seven films, passed away at the age of 89. His warm and generous personality is remembered fondly by friends and fans alike, including Haynes, a London-based film and television writer. Haynes recounted his encounters with Moore to Carol Off, host of “As It Happens,” sharing stories from both his childhood and adulthood.

Carol Off: Where were you when you first met James Bond, or Roger Moore?

Marc Haynes: The first time was in the departures lounge at Nice airport. I was with my grandfather, and we were walking through when I saw James Bond sitting in one of the chairs. I was beyond thrilled and told my grandfather, “There’s James Bond!”

CO: What did your grandfather do?

MH: He went over, perfectly pleasant, and said, “My grandson says you’re famous. Could you please sign this?” He handed him the boarding ticket.

CO: How did Roger Moore respond?

MH: Roger Moore signed the ticket and handed it back. As we walked away, I read the back and saw, “To Marc, Best wishes. Sincerely, Roger Moore.” I was confused because I expected it to be signed by James Bond. So, I told my grandfather, “I think he signed the wrong name!” My grandfather went back to clarify.

CO: So to you, this wasn’t just an actor; it was James Bond.

MH: Exactly. At that moment, I believed it was James Bond in the departures lounge, not an actor named Roger Moore.

CO: How did Roger Moore handle the situation when your grandfather went back?

MH: Moore signaled for me to come over and explained, very seriously, “I have to sign Roger Moore because if I put my name James Bond, Blofeld would know I was here.” It all made sense to me then. He had given me a secret mission to keep his identity safe.

CO: So you felt like you were part of a secret mission with James Bond.

MH: Absolutely. At seven years old, I felt like I was saving James Bond from danger. When my grandfather asked if everything was sorted, I told him it was a case of mistaken identity, protecting Bond’s secret.

CO: Did you meet him again later in life?

MH: Yes, I was in my 30s, working as a film and television writer. I met Roger Moore again while he was serving as a UNICEF ambassador. I got to share my childhood experience with him.

CO: How did he react?

MH: He laughed and said, “Oh, what a wonderful thing for you to be able to say that you met James Bond.” It was a delightful experience, and he made it even better.

CO: What happened next?

MH: As he was leaving to go to his car, he stopped in the corridor, turned to me, and, in a low voice, said, “I do remember when I met you in Nice, but I didn’t say anything in case any of the cameramen were working for Blofeld.” He was a perfect gentleman. Being wowed by him at seven and again at 30 was an incredible pleasure and privilege.