James Bond

Sir Roger Moore, one of the most popular actors to play James Bond, died Tuesday in Switzerland.

Moore had battled cancer briefly ... according to his 3 children who released a statement saying they were all by this side in his final days.

Moore took over the Bond character in 1973's "Live and Let Die." His final one was "A View to a Kill" in 1985. All told, he played the character 7 times ... more than any other actor.

Roger also famously played Simon Templar in the popular British TV series, "The Saint" -- and served as a UNICEF ambassador for many years.

His children say there will be a private funeral held in Monaco.

Daniel Craig can make all the suicide threats he wants, but as long as he's drawing breath ... he will be playing 007 -- at least according to his "Spectre" co-star Christoph Waltz.

Craig recently said he'd slash his wrists before he plays James Bond again -- which, of course, has fueled talk of a possible black Bond in the future. But no offense to the likes of Idris Elba ... "Spectre" baddie Christoph thinks Craig is just blowing smoke.

As he left No Name Bar in Hollywood Wednesday night -- C-dub was pretty definitive about who the next Bond will be. Gotta figure the guy has SOME kinda inside info. No?

Daniel Craig posed inbetween his two new gorgeous co-stars -- Berenice Marlohe and Naomie Harris -- from the upcoming James Bond movie "Skyfall" at an event in London this week.

Question is ...