James Bond actress Pamela Salem, who starred as Miss Moneypenny in the Never Say Never Again with Sean Connery, has died.
The 80-year-old also featured in Doctor Who and EastEnders and has recently starred in All Creatures Great and Small.
The actress was also in sitcom French Fields after starring in BBC soap EastEnders between 1988 and 1989.
Big Finish Insider confirmed the sad news, stating: “We are utterly heartbroken to confirm the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pamela Salem.”
Paying tribute to the star, producer David Richardson, who worked with Salem, stated: “Pamela Salem was lovely, and we all loved her.”
He went on to described her as “a very gentle person â always interested in everyone.”
Richardson also enthused over Salem’s love for her home in Miami Beach.
Pamela Salem has died
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“When Miami was hit by a terrible storm a few years ago, and residents were evacuated to public shelters, the tight knit Counter-Measures team in the UK sat waiting nervously to hear how Pam was doing â and the moment she hit safety she was in touch,” he continued.
“We were separated by thousands of miles and yet she always felt close â 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, but I donât enjoy international travel anymore so didnât take up the offer â something I regret.”
Also speaking tot he publicaiton, Karen Gledhill, who co-starred alongside Salem in Counter-Measures, also joined the tributes.
“Pamela was the kindest, most generous actor I have ever worked with,” she began. She went on to recall being on her first TV job, Remembrance of the Daleks, reflecting how Salem had taken her “under her wing”.
Salem starred in Doctor Who, EastEnders, James Bond and other hit TV shows and films
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She continued: “We became friends, and whenever we met were always so pleased to see each other. Counter-Measures was a total bonus â nearly eight years of regular contact with this unique woman, whose talent and professionalism shone like the star she was â what a privilege to have worked with her.”
Fans on X have also shared their sadness over the news, fondly remembering the actress in her iconic roles.
One wrote: “‘Into The Labyrinthâ genuinely scared the bejesus out of me as a kid due to her portrayal of the villain – RIP Pamela Salem.”
“Sad news. I always thought Pamela Salem was a decent #Moneypenny. Although the script for #NeverSayNeverAgain really didn’t offer her that much,” a second added.
“Sorry to hear about the death of Pamela Salem,” another stated, while a fourth penned: ” Such sad news about Pamela Salem. Such a lovely lady.” Another posted: “R.I.P Pamela Salem 1944-2024.” (sic)
Salem’s co-stars have penned heartfelt tributes to the actress
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Born in 1944 in India, Salem attended a university in Germany before joining the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, before starting in repertory theatre in Chesterfield and York.
Her long career in stage, television, and film included multiple roles in touring plays by Shakespeare, Chekhov, Pinter and Ayckbourn.
As well as Never Say Never Again, Salem starred alongside Connery once again in The First Great Train Robbery.
In the 1990s she moved to Miami and made a number of guest appearances in US drama series, including ER and The West Wing.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
