007 star collapses on N.Y. stage

Roger Moore, the suave star of seven James Bond movies, was recovering in a New York hospital Thursday after collapsing during a Broadway performance.

Moore, 75, was diagnosed as suffering from exhaustion and dehydration after fainting during a Wednesday matinee performance of the comedy “The Play What I Wrote,” said Jerry Pam, the English actor’s agent in the United States.

Moore was expected to be discharged from the hospital by today, said Jackie Green, a spokeswoman for the show’s press agent. “He is absolutely fine. The doctor is pleased with his progress.”

Moore was playing the part of the “mystery guest star” -- a rotating cameo role filled by celebrities -- when he fainted toward the end of the second act, Green said.

He finished the performance after a 10-minute break and then emergency medical personnel took Moore from the Lyceum Theatre to St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, Pam said.