23 February 2024 , 07:24
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A former James Bond star has died, it's been confirmed.
Pamela Salem died aged 80, with fans instantly sharing tributes to the late actress who appeared as Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond film Never Say Never Again, starring alongside Sean Connery in the iconic 007 movie which took $160million (£126.2m) at the Box Office. But Pamela also took on roles in the likes of Doctor Who, as well as ER.
Fans will also recognise Pamela for her role as mafia affiliate Joanne Francis in EastEnders. One of her roles saw her play the British prime minister in The West Wing. Another notable role saw Pamela portray the Queen in the English version of Hellsing Ultimate OVA IV.
The late star was born in Bombay, India, before moving to Germany to study, later moving to England where she found fame as an actress having studied at the Central School of Drama, before moving to the likes of Chesterfield, Derbyshire and York to work in repertory theatre. No cause of death has been confirmed at the time of publication.
Pamela (left) starred alongside Sean Connery in Never Say Never (Getty Images)"We are utterly heartbroken to confirm the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pamela Salem," the production companu Big Finish Insider said as they confirmed the devastating news. 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.
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"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.
"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.
Pamela was known for roles in EastEnders and Doctor Who (Daily Mirror)
Pamela was born in Bombay, India, before moving across Europe and later America"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."
Meanwhile, Doctor Who's Karen Gledhill paid tribute, saying: "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."
She has since been remembered as 'one of the greats'Theatre director Ken Bentley commented: "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."
One devastated fan took to X, formerly Twitter to pay tribute, writing: "Good Bye to British actress Pamela Salem January 22, 1944- February 22, 2024." "RIP Pamela Salem ... you were scary in Into the Labyrinth," said a second. While a third went on to write: "Oh no, Pamela Salem, how sad." Another commented: "Such sad news. I really enjoyed her performance in 'The Silent Scream' when I listened to it a few weeks ago, and I'll always remember her as Belor in 'Into the Labyrinth'."
"One of the greats in everything she appeared in - a great loss and our condolences to family and friends," typed another. Meanwhile, another heartbroken fan said: "Such sad news she was brilliant as Toos in Robots of Death and in Counter Measures Group audios but I'll always remember her as Belor in 'Into the Labyrinth' she was fantastic loved in the Role RIP Pamela." Another fan shared: "Doctor Who, Blake's 7, Miss Moneypenny, The Tripods, Ever Decreasing Circles, Boon, The West Wing Another one of those actors you finally realised has been in everything you've watched for years... but were acting so well you didn't notice..."
Pamela's screen career kicked off in 1969 after she landed the role of Miss Grmble in Happy Ever After, before going on to appear in a string of television shows such as The Onedin Line and All Creatures Great and Small before she found fame as a movie actress.
Since landing a role in the 1976 film No Longer Alone, she went on to appear in 17 films such as Quicksand, Gods and Monsters and her last acting credit came in 2019, appearing as Mrs. McBride in Down's Revenge. Elsewhere, her last television credit for which she was an uncredited role came in 2019, in the Under the Roof episode of Big Love.
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Pamela was married to actor Michael O'Hagan until his tragic death in November 2017, with the late couple living in Florida in her later years.