8 months ago
19 EASTENDERS and James Bond star Pamela Salem has died aged 80 – with tributes pouring in.
Salem played Miss Moneypenny alongside Sean Connery in 007 film Never Say Never Again.
AlamyBond star Pamela Salem has died at the age of 80[/caption]
AlamySalem as Miss Moneypenny in Never Say Never Again[/caption]
She starred alongside Sean Connery in the Bond film
AlamyThe actress in EastEnders[/caption]
GettySalem with Sean Connery and Barbara Carrera[/caption]
AlamyStars have paid tribute to Salem[/caption]
The actress in her EastEnders role
She also appeared in EastEnders, Doctor Who, ER and The West Wing over her long career.
Production firm Big Finish said: “We are utterly heartbroken to confirm the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pamela Salem.”
Pamela Salem was born in India in 1944 and studied at the University of Heidelberg in Germany.
She trained as an actress at the Central School of Drama before starting repertory theatre in Chesterfield and York.
The actress had a long career on stage, TV and film – starring in plays by Shakespeare, Chekhov and Pinter.
Salem moved to LA then Miami in the 1990s, appearing in hit dramas ER and The West Wing as well as a number of cult sci-fi films.
Her Big Finish producer David Richardson said: “Pamela Salem was lovely, and we all loved her.
“Whenever there was a Big Finish recording for her, she’d fly in from Miami on her own steam, without fuss or fanfare.
“She would appear at the studio armed with the warmest smiles, the biggest hugs and often presents.
“She was a very gentle person – always interested in everyone, from her co-stars to the production team to the guest actors and visitors.
“She talked with joy about her home on Miami Beach, waking up to warmth and waves.
Richardson added: “She knew all about our lives and families and life stories.
“We were separated by thousands of miles and yet she always felt close – even if we might go for months without corresponding.
“There was an open and often offered invite to go to Miami and stay with her.
“I don’t enjoy international travel anymore so didn’t take up the offer – something I regret.
“As I grew up she was Miss Moneypenny in Never Say Never Again and appeared in dozens of episodes of EastEnders.
“After moving to the US she guest starred in ER and The West Wing.
“Pamela had an extraordinary career and carried it lightly. Every opportunity to work with her was a gift.
“We had many happy days together and I feel very lucky to have had her in my life.”
‘UNIQUE WOMAN’
Actress Karen Gledhill said: “Pamela was the kindest, most generous actor I have ever worked with.
“Back in the 80s on Remembrance of the Daleks (my first proper TV job), she took me under her wing.
“She led me through a wonderful but slightly daunting experience.
“We became friends, and whenever we met were always so pleased to see each other.
“Counter-Measures was a total bonus – nearly eight years of regular contact with this unique woman, whose talent and professionalism shone like the star she was .
“What a privilege to have worked with her.
“We also shared a mutual love of dogs – she adored the canine friends that she often rescued and looked after.
“She was so loved, so respected and will be so missed.”
Director Ken Bentley said: “Every time Pamela walked into the studio she brought the Florida sunshine with her.
“She was such great company, always smiling, with so much enthusiasm for the small things in life that bring us all joy, like walking your dog along the beach.
“She had many gifts but her superpower was her ability to single-handedly restore your faith in human nature.”
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