When Roger Moore first stepped into the tailored tuxedo of James Bond in Live and Let Die (1973), he brought more than charm, wit, and an arched eyebrow to the role — he brought a taste for luxury that would redefine the spy’s on-screen image.
For Moore, Bond wasn’t just a man of action; he was a man of refined indulgence. And nothing embodied that more than the actor’s unusual contract clause: an “endless supply” of Montecristo cigars.
A Habit Written Into Hollywood History
Moore’s affinity for cigars wasn’t just a casual pleasure — it was a non-negotiable part of his work as 007. According to production insiders, the British star insisted that the world’s most debonair secret agent share his own appreciation for the finer things, specifically Montecristo No. 2s — cigars known for their meticulous handcrafting and rich, layered aroma.
The clause came with a hefty price tag. During one Bond production, the studio reportedly spent $4,237 (equivalent to roughly 400 Montecristos) to keep Moore’s ashtray filled. It was a costly indulgence, but one that became part of Bond’s aesthetic — the image of the unflappable agent, savoring a cigar between car chases and casino showdowns.
From Cigarettes to Cigars — A Defining Difference
Before Moore, Sean Connery’s Bond had favored cigarettes — a reflection of mid-century cool. But Moore wanted his version of 007 to stand apart, replacing cigarettes with cigars to add a note of sophistication and relaxation to the character.
That choice became iconic. For many fans, Moore’s Bond — smooth-talking, immaculately dressed, and calmly puffing on a Montecristo — defined an era where espionage met elegance.
A Changing Vice Through the Ages
After Moore retired from the role in 1985, his successors each left their mark on Bond’s habits. Timothy Dalton preferred a return to cigarettes, while Pierce Brosnan briefly revived the cigar tradition. Daniel Craig, however, broke with both — eliminating smoking altogether, aligning the modern Bond with a cleaner, more health-conscious image.
Legacy of a Luxurious Detail
What began as a personal indulgence ended as a cinematic trademark. Moore’s Montecristo clause didn’t just shape Bond’s image of luxury; it also highlighted how deeply the actor intertwined himself with the character. The suave agent’s love of fine cigars mirrored Moore’s own — a subtle but unforgettable detail in the mythology of the world’s most famous spy.
In the end, it wasn’t just the Aston Martin or the martini that defined Roger Moore’s Bond — it was the Montecristo, a curl of smoke, and a wink that made espionage look like an art form.