Former 007 Roger Moore was honored with a star on Hollywood's "Walk of Fame" here Thursday, just three days ahead of the British actor's 80th birthday.

Moore, who played British super-spy James Bond in seven films between 1973 and 1985, was present at a morning ceremony which saw the 2,350th star unveiled on Hollywood Boulevard.

Born on October 14, 1927, Moore began his acting career as an extra during the 1940s before studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, paving the way for a Hollywood movie career.

Although he had supporting roles in several films during the 1950s it was not until the following decade that he achieved worldwide fame, starring in British television show "The Saint" as smooth-talking Simon Templar.

He took over the Bond duties from Sean Connery in 1973, making his debut in "Live and Let Die" before completing the sequence with "A View to a Kill" 12 years later.

"Sadly, I had to retire from the Bond films," Moore said at the ceremony.

"The girls were getting younger and I was just getting too old."

In recent years Moore has become well known for his humanitarian work, most notably through his activities as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, helping raise funds for under-privileged children.

He was awarded a knighthood in 2003 in recognition of his work with the organization.