Roger Moore Marriages: A Look At His Four Wives

Sir Roger Moore is best remembered for his suave portrayal of James Bond and Simon Templar in The Saint. Yet away from the silver screen, the British actor's romantic life was remarkably complex, marked by four distinct marriages, high-profile separations, and a final decades-long partnership that brought him stability in his later years.

Understanding Moore's personal history requires looking beyond the charming exterior he projected to public audiences. Each of his four marriages represents a different era of his life, tracing his path from an aspiring young actor in post-war Britain to an international cinematic icon.

The Early Years: Doorn van Steyn

Moore's first marriage took place in 1946 when he was just 19 years old. He married Doorn van Steyn, an ice skater and aspiring actress.

At the time, Moore was studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and struggling to find consistent acting work. The young couple faced severe financial strain, living in cramped conditions and relying heavily on family support.

• Duration: 1946 to 1953
• The Breakup: Financial pressures, professional jealousy regarding their respective acting ambitions, and personal friction eroded the relationship. Moore eventually met singer Dorothy Squires, leading to his separation from van Steyn.

The Stormy Years: Dorothy Squires

Moore's second marriage was to Welsh singer Dorothy Squires, whom he wed in 1953. When they met, Squires was significantly older than Moore and already established as a major international recording artist, while Moore was still trying to break into the industry.

This dynamic shifted dramatically as Moore's career gained momentum during the late 1950s and 1960s. Their relationship was notoriously volatile, punctuated by fierce public rows and intense media scrutiny.

• Duration: 1953 to 1968 (though legal separation occurred years earlier)
• The Breakup: While filming in Italy in 1961, Moore met Italian actress Luisa Mattioli and fell in love. Squires famously resisted granting a divorce for years, initiating various legal battles and public protests before their marriage officially dissolved in 1968.

The Longest Partnership: Luisa Mattioli

Moore married Luisa Mattioli in 1969 after years of living together. This marriage spanned over two decades and coincided with the peak of Moore's global fame, including his tenure playing 007 across seven James Bond films.

Together, Mattioli and Moore had three children: Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian. Mattioli largely managed the household while supporting Moore through the demanding global press tours required of a major action franchise star.

• Duration: 1969 to 2000 (separated in 1993)
• The Breakup: The marriage effectively ended in 1993 when Moore left Mattioli for Kristina Tholstrup. Mattioli was deeply hurt by the betrayal, and the ensuing divorce was acrimonious, taking seven years to finalize until a reported £10 million settlement was reached in 2000.

Final Peace: Kristina Tholstrup

Moore spent the final chapter of his life with Danish-Swedish socialite Kristina "Kiki" Tholstrup. They married in 2002 in a quiet, low-key ceremony in Europe.

Moore frequently credited Tholstrup with bringing profound peace and organization to his later years. She stood by his side through health battles until his passing from prostate cancer in 2017.

• Duration: 2002 to Moore's death in 2017
• The Dynamic: This union provided quiet stability. Moore described their life together as entirely tranquil, free of arguments, allowing him to focus heavily on his humanitarian work with UNICEF.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times was Roger Moore married?

Roger Moore was married four times: to Doorn van Steyn, Dorothy Squires, Luisa Mattioli, and Kristina Tholstrup.

Did Roger Moore have children with all of his wives?

No. Moore only had children with his third wife, Luisa Mattioli. They shared three children: Deborah, Geoffrey, and Christian.

Why did his marriage to Luisa Mattioli end?

The marriage ended in 1993 after Moore developed a relationship with family friend and socialite Kristina Tholstrup. Mattioli refused to grant a divorce for several years, leading to a lengthy legal separation before the divorce was finalized in 2000.

Did Moore's children attend his wedding to Kristina Tholstrup?

No, his children did not attend the 2002 ceremony. Family members later noted that they stayed away to avoid awkward dynamics out of loyalty to their mother, Luisa, though they maintained a supportive relationship with their father.