Community

Sir Roger Moore and Rose Marie Left a True Legacy for Animals

PETA lost two of its most dedicated supporters in 2017—Sir Roger Moore and Rose Marie. We sorely miss them and will always remember their compassion and commitment to making the world a kinder place for animals. They were both talented actors, true show-business icons who portrayed legendary characters, earning them an extensive fan base. But Sir Roger and Rose were much more than popular celebrities. They were kind, gentle, generous, loyal individuals who never missed an opportunity to speak out for animals.

Sir Roger Moore

Sir Roger had a heart of gold. He may have been best known for his suave portrayal of James Bond, but PETA believes that his greatest achievements were his efforts in behalf of animals. He spoke out for lions, tigers, and others exploited in circuses and for birds tortured for foie gras—as well as for animals who are stalked and killed by hunters, saying, “‘Sport’ hunting is a sickness, a perversion and a danger and should be recognised as such. People who get their ‘amusement’ from hunting and killing defenceless animals can only be suffering from a mental disorder.”

When Sir Roger learned that an orca named Morgan had been taken from the wild and put in a tank, he said, “It’s clear to anyone with a brain and an ounce of compassion that marine parks are nothing more than concrete prisons which cause captive marine animals a world of suffering.”

The outspoken advocate for animals even took on the Queen’s Guard, calling on the British government to replace the soldiers’ bearskin hats with synthetic alternatives. Because of his bold actions and inspirational efforts, he was named PETA UK’s 2017 Person of the Year.

He called out animal abuse with wit and charm, and he was a gentleman ’til the end.

Rose Marie

Rose was well known for her role as witty comedy writer Sally Rogers on The Dick Van Dyke Show—and for her efforts in behalf of animals. She often encouraged her fans and Twitter followers to be mindful of animals in distress. During the Southern California wildfires, she reminded kids to keep everyone, animals included, in their thoughts and prayers. Her love for dogs was evident, and she tweeted about their unconditional love. Her dog Bailey was a constant in her life and on her Twitter feed.

Rose lit up a 1992 PETA fundraiser at Hollywood’s Magic Castle with her humor and sparkle, and she was an honorary member of PETA gala committees over the years. While many will remember her for her career in show business, raspy voice, and staple black hair bow, we’ll remember her for her kind treatment of animals.

 

Leave Your Own Legacy for Animals

Sir Roger and Rose were special people who used their fame to help animals. But everyone can leave his or her own legacy for animals. You don’t have to be wealthy or famous—you can help stop animal suffering simply by supporting PETA. Consider joining our Augustus Club, which is a special group for supporters who have made a planned gift to PETA. You can also help by being a part of our Action Team and getting involved whenever animals need your assistance.