Sir Roger answers your questions Febuary 2009

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Sir Roger,

I recently saw a YouTube clip of you training to fly a hanglider in preparation for a scene in "Live And Let Die". It showed you taking off and actually flying it. Do you remember that? If so, were you somewhat fearful when you did it?

Thanks,

Carolina

 

Hi Carolina

Of course, I remember all my heroic stunts! We had to shoot the sequence to look realistic, with lots of close ups, so that meant we couldn't use my stunt double! I needed to be seen gliding, and landing. I was given a bit of tuition and then tried it out. We shot day for night, so thankfully I could see where I was going.

I don't remember being fearful. But then again, I was James Bond!

 

 

Dear Sir Roger,

I’ve just finished your book, which I enjoyed immensely, but I disagree with one thing you say in it about yourself: that you’re only useful to UNICEF as long as you keep up some kind of profile and continue to make the odd film now and again.. I’d say, though, that today’s generation of up-and-coming world leaders and people in positions of influence would have grown up in the 1970s as Bond fans, thus of your good self, so I reckon the power of the Walther PPK’s aura for opening doors is good for a while yet, and if you wanted to take a break you wouldn’t need to make another film for the next 20 or 30 years!

To my question: I read in your book that RADA trained you to lose your London accent; being an aspiring actor myself I’ve been trying to shake off my Newcastle accent, however I find that whenever I return to my hometown I find I quickly revert back and then it takes me a while to shake it off again when I leave. Did you ever experience anything like this yourself, and if so, how did you counter it?

Thanks (for all your years of entertaining us, and your great work for UNICEF),
Pete

 

Dear Pete

Thank you for buying the book.

Well, my mother was always very strict in that I spoke properly - that is to say I didn't use 'slang' or 'shortcuts', such as "innit" instead of "isn't it" ... for example. I did speak with a sort of cockney accent mind, but spoke properly.When I joined RADA we were instructed to lose our accent and have a neutral south-of -England accent, thereby we could lend ourselves to anything and not just cockney roles, in my case. Didn't do Michael Caine any harm did it?

I practised and soon it became my regular speaking voice. I guess it was helpful in that I worked in rep soon afterwards and was away from London, and my cockney surrounds, quite a bit. Then in the army.You'll just have to try hard not to slip into your native accent when you go home!

 

Hello Sir Roger

My question for February is this:

No doubt the you have heard about the bushfires we are having here in parts of Australia at the moment (luckily where I live, I am not in danger).

Australia has come together in this tragedy and it seems to have united us. Not since the Bali bombings have I seen such solidarity.

My question for February is...

In your time as a UNICEF ambassador, is there a country that YOU have witnessed to be so united together in times of tragedy (be it man made or other)to this extent?

Or are most of the countries you visit united in some form to try and make things better for one another?(Making this question obcelete and pointless, sorry).

The recent weeks in this country have restored my faith in humanity.

By the way, I'm also still chewing the steak from last November's luncheon in Sydney hehe (if we are talking about the 19th). You were very gracious in what you said about the meal there and apart from the steak, it was a very enjoyable afternoon listening to you and a bonus to meet you afterwards.

Many thanks for your great book, and your tireless efforts for UNICEF and continuing to answer our questions.

Best wishes and affection
Noel

Hi Noel

 

I think we all rally around in times of crisis. They refer to it here as the Blitz spirit. It restores youth faith in humanity doesn't it? I grew up during the war and say how people in Londonand indeed Britain rallyed. I'll never forget it.

I'm forever touched by visits to third world countries with UNICEF. So many countries and their people have so little, yet share so much. It is both touching and heartbreaking. I cannot single one in particular out, as I have been moved by so many.

I was so deeply saddened to see the horrendous damage and loss of life caused by the bush fires in your beautiful homeland. And to think some person deliberately ... it doesn't bear thinking of. The spirit of all Australians, the bravery and the charity is to be commended. You're all in my thoughts.

 

I

Dear Sir Roger,

Having finished reading your great book, I have to congratulate you! There is something of everything in it. One has to feel with you when reading of your operations in childhood, laugh most of the time when reading your stories about some of your colleagues, feeling pure horror when reading about your UNICEF trip to Central America, admiring the likes of David Niven, disliking his wife and two characters you got associated with when doing “The Quest, smiling happily when reading about Lady Kristina, holding one’s breath when reading about her accident in Paris as well as when reading about your own health problems (and painful experiences) and finally smiling again - this time with gratitude - when checking the list of doctors you mention at the last page… What a great part of your life so far, what a great part of your life yet to come!

Finally my question concerning a detail I could not notice in your book: Which do you consider the biggest jump in your career? Or were there several? There must have been a few stages between the young man from Stockwell who had to choose between either cigarettes and a bus ticket and the world star who played James Bond. Do you remember when you for the first time were recognised in restaurants or on the street? Or any moment you felt “you made it”?

Thank you very much and best wishes for a nice springtime

Martin

Hi Martin

Thank you for your kind words. Creep!

No, I appreciate it. 

It took about 20 years for me to become an overnight success. I think there were several milestones - my first "extra job"really set me on the road of this wonderful career, but it was probably The Saint that really established me as a household name. I was 'known' in movies, but televsion is such an intimate medium - you are in people's houses, in their front rooms. Of course I'd done a few other series, but The Saint was phenomenally successful compared  to those before. It also brought me a financial security.

I guess when everyone used to say "Hello Rog, where's your halo?" I knew I was 'famous'.

I'm very lucky.

Sir Roger,
Hello. I have been a fan of yours for a while and have recently read your autobiography. I really enjoyed it! In the book you mention knowing James Clavell and also about having worked on a Tai Pan movie. I'm very sorry that fell through. He is my favourite author and I was wondering what you thought of him and his books? In addition, what attracted you to making a Tai Pan movie?
Thanks!
Rob

Hello Rob

James Clavell was a mate. In fact you may not know this, but his daughter Michaela appeared in a Bond film with me. She played Penelope Smallbush (stop it!) who was Moneypenny's assistant.

I loved James' stories and Tai Pan in particular. I justthought it would make a rousing period film adventure, and so did a deal with him for the rights. It had some many terrific filmic elements. Sadly I never got it off the ground.

 

Don’t pick a fight with The Saint now he looks a little vulnerable to the boot going in ! :-)

 

Dear Sir Roger, soon will be the Oscar awards. One of the most famous anecdotes in the Oscar history was in the ceremony of l973, when you announced the best actor (Marlon Brando), and a woman indigenous, received this award in his name. Just then, that you thought? Now, after many years, which is your comment about this situation.
By the way, in this ceremony always refer to celebrities of the cinema that passed away. Recently, two great actors, Ricardo Montalbán and Van Johnson died, with Mr. Johnson you shared in the movie “The Last Time I Saw Paris” (1954). Which are your memories about them? I hope that very soon you can travel to Latin America for promoting your autobiography. Thanks a lot. Hasta pronto.

Dixon Moya
Bogotá, Colombia.

Hi Dixon

I knew both Ricardo and Van. It's always sad to hear of a colleagues passing, as it was indeed Patrick McGoohan too. It makes us appreciate our mortality a little more. They were great performers and lovely people. Not a bad epitaph eh?

As for the Oscars, I think 1973 will be the first and last time I will have one in my hand for more than a few seconds. It's quite amazing how important they have now become in the global business. I'm open to offers!

 

 

Lady Kristina handing one of Rogers books to a fan.

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