Honor Blackman: Pussy Galore actress dies, aged 94
Written by News on 06/04/2020
Honor Blackman, best known for playing Bond girl Pussy Galore, has died aged 94, her family has said.
The actress shot to international stardom as Pussy Galore at the age of 38, starring alongside Sean Connery, in 1964’s Goldfinger.
In a statement her family said: “It’s with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Honor Blackman aged 94.
“She died peacefully of natural causes at home in Lewes, Sussex, surrounded by her family.
“She was much loved and will be greatly missed by her two adopted children Barnaby and Lottie, and her four grandchildren Daisy, Oscar, Olive and Toby.
“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.”
She also played Cathy Gale in The Avengers and 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 TV series The Upper Hand.
In 2004 she played flirty pensioner Rula Romanoff in Coronation Street who caught the eye of Norris Cole, and appeared in an episode of Casualty in 2013.
Recently Blackman looked back over her life and career in her touring show Honor Blackman as herself, in which she was in conversation with her colleague and friend Richard Digby Day.
Tributes to the star have been pouring in. Film director Edgar Wright described Honor Blackman as the “ultimate Bond Girl and original Avenger” in a tribute tweet.
David Walliams tweeted: “Farewell Honor Blackman. She will live forever as Pussy Galore in ‘Goldfinger’.”
Actor Joe McGann, who starred alongside Blackman in the ITV series The Upper Hand, tweeted: “Just heard the very sad news that dear Honor has died. What a woman she was – fiercely bright, superbly funny and a wonderful actress on screen and onstage. I loved every day of working with her and I loved and respected her with all my heart. RIP.”
The actress was a member of the Liberal Democrats and before that the Liberal Party and often attended campaign events.
Former leader Tim Farron tweeted: “You could guarantee bums on seats at any Lib Dem event Honor was at. She was charismatic, principled and kind. A very sad day, sending love to her family.”
Current acting leader Sir Ed Davey posted: “Very sad to see Honor Blackman has died – my condolences to her family & friends. Never forget when she came to Kingston to campaign with me – sheer grace and charm, & a great supporter for Liberals & @LibDems.”
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(c) Sky News 2020: Honor Blackman: Pussy Galore actress dies, aged 94
