Patrick McGoohan was the first choice to play Simon Templar in the tv  series. He turned it down when he discovered the role entailed having love scenes with various leading ladies. He said that this would be against his strict religious beliefs. Roger was approached next and the rest they say, is history!

He was in that movie we discussed on another thread, Silver Streak. And wasn't he also in another similar to The Saint series in the 60's?
No question, he is suave, classy and attractive, but not as Simon Templar, just can't picture him in the role, how about you?

The tv series Patrick McGoohan was in was called "Danger Man." It was known as "Secret Agent" in the U.S.A.  He later appeared in a really bizarre series called "The Prisoner."

No way would he have been successful as Simon Templar. He may have been a good actor, but he lacked any charisma needed for the role.

He was also at one time considered for "James Bond" too.