James Bond star Honor Blackman has died at the age of 94.
The actor was best known for playing Pussy Galore in the 1964′s Goldfinger opposite Sean Connery as the
British spy.
Honor’s family confirmed news of her death in a statement, revealing she died from natural causes at her Sussex home, where she was surrounded by relatives. Paying tribute to her, they said: “As well as being a much-adored mother and grandmother, Honor was an actor of hugely prolific creative talent; with an extraordinary combination of beauty, brains and physical prowess, along with her unique voice and a dedicated work ethic, she achieved an unparalleled iconic status in the world of film and entertainment and with absolute commitment to her craft and total professionalism in all her endeavours she contributed to some of the great films and theatre productions of our times.”
As well as her Bond role, Honor is remembered for playing Cathy Gale in The Avengers during the 1960s. She also played the vengeful goddess Hera in the Ray Harryhausen and Charles H. Schneer production of Jason And The Argonauts, as well as Laura West on the 1990s TV series The Upper Hand.
More recently, Honor played Penny Husbands-Bosworth in the big-screen adaptation of Bridget Jones’s Diary, and in 2004 she played Rula Romanoff in Coronation Street, a flirty pensioner who caught the eye of Norris Cole. She also appeared in an episode of Casualty in 2013.Honor’s career also extended into theatre, with roles in productions including The Sound Of Music, My Fair Lady and Cabaret.
She recently looked back over her life and career in a touring stage show, which saw her in conversation with her colleague and friend Richard Digby Day.
Piers Morgan, David Walliams, theatre star Bonnie Langford and Only Fools And Horses’ John Challis were among those who paid tribute on social media. Farewell Honor Blackman. She will live forever as Pussy Galore in ‘Goldfinger’. @007pic.twitter.com/Ae7BarFbjT— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) April 6, 2020RIP Honor Blackman, 94. A wonderful actress, and my favourite of all the Bond girls when she played Pussy Galore in Goldfinger. She died of natural causes. Her family said she was ‘an extraordinary combination of beauty, brains and physical prowess’. Yes she was. What a life. pic.twitter.com/odS791EqfX— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 6, 2020What a glorious and glamorous lady. Privileged to have shared many giggles on Dr Who! Beautiful inside and out. Xx 😢💕 https://t.co/bhOyn95gan— Bonnie Langford (@bonnie_langford) April 6, 2020Farewell Pussy Galore.The wonderful Honor Blackman has left the stage. pic.twitter.com/JjEqHQwPUP— John Challis (@BeingBoycie) April 6, 2020Honor is survived by her two children Barnaby and Lottie, and grandchildren Daisy, Oscar, Olive and Toby.