Roger Moore, actor & memoirist: 'I'm a terrible coward so it couldn't be a heroic character, more likely the Lion from The Wizard of Oz'

Moore: 'I prefer reading autobiographies and biographies. I'm curious about people I've met, heard of or know' (Getty Images)

Where are you now and what can you see?

I am sitting in my office at my home in Monaco and I can see one hell of a mess, papers, pens, photographs and an overflowing waste-paper basket.

What are you currently reading?

Coming Up Trumps: a Memoir by Baroness Jean Trumpington. Although I enjoy a good novel, particularly crime thrillers – Jo Nesbo is terrific – I prefer reading autobiographies and biographies. I'm curious about people I've met, heard of or know.

Choose a favourite author and say why you admire her/him

I love James Clavell for his accuracy of detail in all his work. He became a friend of mine and I acquired the rights to Tai-Pan with a view to producing a film.

Describe the room where you usually write

In my office in Monaco. I have a desktop and laptop linked via iCloud. I like the idea, in theory at least, that everything should be backed-up. In practice it never happens, or I forget my passwords! I love gadgets, but tend to have a terrible job getting them to work.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

Neither Jim Bond nor Simon Templar, although I did make them look and sound like me! I'm actually a terrible coward so it couldn't be a heroic character, more likely the Lion from The Wizard of Oz.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

Nelson Mandela. My wife Kristina and I met him at the UN in New York and there was something captivating about his persona and charm. After Kristina shook his hand she leaned towards me and said she wouldn't ever wash it again.

Roger Moore's 'Last Man Standing: Tales from Tinseltown' is published by Michael O'Mara