EASTENDERS and James Bond star Pamela Salem has died aged 80 – amid an outpouring of tributes.
The much-loved actress played Miss Moneypenny opposite Sean Connery in the 007 film Never Say Never Again.
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Bond star Pamela Salem has died aged 80 Credit: Alamy
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She played Miss Moneypenny in Never Say Never Again Credit: Alamy
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She acted alongside Sean Connery in the Bond film
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Actress in EastEnders Credit: Alamy
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Pamela Salem with Sean Connery and Barbara Carrera Credit: Getty
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Stars paid tribute to the beloved actress Credit: Alamy
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Pamela Salem as EastEnders
She has also appeared in EastEnders, Doctor Who, ER and The West Wing during her long career.
Production company Big Finish said: “We are absolutely heartbroken to confirm the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pamela Salem.”
Pamela was born in Bombay, India in 1944 and studied at Heidelberg University in Germany.
She studied acting at the Central School of Drama in London before starting repertory theater in Chesterfield and York.
The actress had a long career on stage, television and film – starring in plays by Shakespeare, Chekhov and Pinter.
She moved to LA and then Miami in the 1990s, appearing in the hit dramas ER and The West Wing, as well as a string 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 shoot for her, she would fly in from Miami in her own vehicle, without fuss or fanfare.
“She would show up in the studio armed with the warmest smiles, the biggest hugs and often gifts.
“She was a very gentle person – always interested in everyone, from her colleagues to the production team to guest actors and visitors.
– She happily talked about her home on Miami Beach, waking up to the warmth and waves.
Richardson added: “She knew everything about our lives and families and life stories.
“We were separated by thousands of miles and yet she always felt close – even if we went months without writing to each other.
“There was an open and often offered invitation to go to Miami and stay with her.
“I don’t enjoy international travel anymore so I didn’t accept the offer – something I regret.
“When I was growing up, she was Miss Moneypenny in Never Say Never Again and appeared in dozens of episodes of EastEnders.
“After moving to the USA, she was a guest in the Emergency Department and the West Wing.
“Pamela had an extraordinary career and took it lightly. Every opportunity to work with her was a gift.
“We spent 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’ve ever worked with.
“Back in the 80s on Remembrance of the Daleks (my first real TV job), she took me under her wing.
“She took me through a wonderful, but somewhat scary experience.
“We became friends and whenever we met, we were always glad to see each other.
“The countermeasures were a complete bonus – almost eight years of regular contact with this unique woman, whose talent and professionalism shone like the star she was.
“What a privilege it is to work with her.
“We also shared a mutual love of dogs – she adored canine friends who she often rescued and looked after.
“She was so loved, so respected and she 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 little things in life that bring us all joy, like walking your dog on 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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