A chat with David Hedison

Did you already know Roger Moore before playing with him in The Saint in 1963?

I had attended an international television film festival in Cairo, Egypt and was invited because a series I had done at Fox (for NBC) called Five Fingers was very popular there. This was in August of '63. That's the first time I had met Roger and we became good friends. After the festivities, Roger left to go back to London and resume his work on The Saint. I stayed on for a few days, then took a side trip to Moscow and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). On my way back home to Los Angeles, I stopped off in London for a few days to see some shows. My agent called and asked about my availability to do an episode of The Saint called Luella. It seems that Roger had called my agent and told her (Jean Diamond) that there was a part of an American coming up, and he thought I was right for it. Jean sent me the script, and I loved it. So it was nice meeting up with Roger again and working with him was a joy.

You met several times on the same movie sets. Was it by mere chance or because you wanted to work together in several films?

Tom Mankiewicz had asked me if I would be interested in doing Live And Let Die with Sean Connery. I of course said yes. The next thing I knew Sean decided not to do any more Bonds, and lo and behold Roger was cast. My cup runned over! All the other films I did with Roger were totally because of him. When he read a new script and there was a part in it for Hedison, he'd simply pick up the phone and talk to the producer or director. That's the kind of friend he was. And is!

What is your best memory of Roger Moore?

When I was working on "The Saint" I kept getting calls from a producer in Hollywood about doing a TV series, which at the time I wasn't at all interested in doing. I would get calls in the middle of the night about doing the series, but my answer was always no. I had just been cast in a 2 hour mini-series for the BBC - Tennessee Williams Camino Real, and I was very excited about getting involved in that wonderful production with some first-rate British actors. One morning, over coffee and before starting work, I mentioned my problem to Roger. He couldn't really understand my dilemma. What problem? The Tennessee play will come and go, and the series might eventually lead to some longer and more substantial employment was his advice. I mulled it over, and early that evening I called the producer in Hollywood and accepted his offer. The producer? Irwin Allen. The series? Voyage to the bottom of you know what! Thanks, Roger.

What do you think of his work for UNICEF?

Both my wife, Bridget, and I are so proud of him. He's doing such a magnificent job. When I was in New York several years ago and heard him speak on behalf of UNICEF - and I'm not joking - I had tears in my eyes. It was a very moving and heart felt speech. Bravo, Sir Roger!

What difference is there between Roger Moore at the beginning of the 60's, Roger Moore as 007, or in North Sea Hijack and The Naked Face and Roger Moore today?

No difference. The same person. A great sense of humor and a generous kind friend.

Could you please tell me more about your recent and future projects? A film I did in New York called "The Reality Trap" was recently shown (June 2005) at the Avignon film festival in France. As far as I know it was well-received. No distributor yet.

Interview: Marie-France Vienne, Sir Roger Moore Official Website

1. The Naked Face 2. North Sea Hijack 3. David Hedison with Roger Moore 4. David Hedison with Deborah Moore 4. David Hedison looks on as Roger Moore is interviewed by local TV at the Palm Beach International Film Festival in April 1997. Also in the picture are Michael Caine and Robert Wise 5. David Hedison with Diane Kachmar. Photos kindly provided by Diane Kachmar.

Thank you to David Hedison, Diane Kachmar and Sylviane

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