Roger Moore, the iconic James Bond actor, has recently revealed shocking details about his past marriages, exposing him as a victim of domestic violence.
But why did his wives resort to physical abuse?
This article delves into the tumultuous relationships behind the scenes of Moore’s glamorous life.
In the 1970s, my husband Doug Hayward and I, accompanied by our baby daughter, visited Roger Moore and his Italian wife Luisa at their stunning house in Stanmore, Middlesex.
We anticipated a delightful English lunch of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, as Roger had just become the suave and sophisticated James Bond, epitomizing the quintessential Englishman.
Little did we know what awaited us.
To our surprise, it was Luisa who greeted us at the door, donning tight jeans and disheveled hair.
She immediately began screaming for Roger.
Moments later, Roger appeared, impeccably dressed and charming, while Luisa continued her tirade in accented English.
It turned out there was no lunch prepared, no groceries in the house, and she simply did not want visitors.
Despite the chaos, Roger took charge, whipping up a feast of baked beans on toast in the dining room.
He entertained us with stories and jokes, seemingly unruffled by the unusual circumstances.
Throughout his life, Moore has been known for his ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and humor.
He has always been one of my favorite people, someone who can make the best out of any circumstance.
However, in an interview for Piers Morgan’s television program, Moore revealed that both his previous wives had subjected him to physical abuse during their marriages.
His first wife, Doorn van Steyn, whom he married at the tender age of 19, was a figure skater six years his senior.
Money troubles plagued their union from the start, as Moore earned meager wages as a film extra and knitwear model.
They were forced to live in a single room at van Steyn’s parents’ house in South London.
Despite the challenges, Moore was infatuated with her beauty and even learned to ice skate to be closer to her.
However, Doorn frequently belittled him, saying he would never succeed as an actor due to his weak face and small mouth.
Their fights were constant, with Doorn once sinking her teeth into Moore’s hand outside a theater.
He jokes about raising his hand to hit her, but it is clear that their relationship was filled with violence.
After leaving van Steyn, Moore found himself in another tumultuous marriage with singer Dorothy Squires, who was 13 years his senior.
Squires had a volatile relationship with songwriter Billy Reid, marked by jealousy and explosive fights.
When she met Moore at a party, they immediately fell for each other.
Although their union initially flourished, tension arose when Moore developed feelings for his younger co-star, Dorothy Provine.
The couple’s arguments escalated, culminating in Squires smashing a guitar over Moore’s head.
Moore’s third wife, Luisa Mattioli, whom he divorced in 1996, also had a reputation for volatile behavior.
Although Moore has not publicly discussed the details of their relationship, those close to them during their 30-year marriage attest to her temperamental nature.
It seems that Moore has a penchant for opinionated women, leading some to wonder if he drives them to madness.
Reflecting on these relationships, Moore admits to being selfish, but questions why this would make him different from most men whose wives do not resort to violence.
Perhaps his offhand comments and behavior trigger emotional reactions in his partners.
Alternatively, some women may seek heated arguments as proof that their partners are paying attention.
Despite the turmoil he endured in his personal life, Moore has managed to maintain a successful career and find happiness with his current wife, Danish-Swedish socialite Christina Tholstrup.
He describes their relationship as tranquil, suggesting that he has learned from the mistakes of his past marriages.
Ultimately, the revelation of Roger Moore’s abusive relationships sheds light on the dark side of his charismatic persona.
It serves as a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, even the most iconic stars can experience the pain and trauma of domestic violence.
