Honor Blackman dies at 94

Stars and family pay tribute to 'absolute diamond'

by Amber Wilkinson

James Bond Honor Blackman has died of natural causes at the age of 94. The actress, who played Pussy Galore in Goldfinger and Cathy Gale in TV show The Avengers, enjoyed a big and small screen career as well as stage appearances spanning more than six decades.

In addition to her screen work, with films also including The Cat And The Canary, A Night To Remember and Jason And The Argonauts, she cemented her status as a household name in the Nineties, when she starred in almost 100 episodes of sitcom The Upper Hand for ITV. She had toured biographical show Honor Blackman As Herself in recent years.

In a statement, her family 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."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."

Stars, including David Walliams and William Shatner paid tribute on Twitter. The writer of 2011 horror comedy Cockneys Vs Zombies James Moran, wrote on Twitter: "RIP the incomparable, irreplaceable, Honor Blackman. So many amazing performances, and the dream of a lifetime to have her in Cockneys Vs Zombies, where she continued to kick ass. An absolute diamond."

And Joe McGann, who starred alongside her in The Upper Hand wrote: "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."

Share this with others on...
News

The serpent's call Composer Stephen Lukach on creating tension and awe in Beware Boiúna

Care and community Mike Leigh and the Tender Loving Care cast on humanity and looking out for one another

The aftermath Jorge Thielen Armand on returning to Venezuela to make Death Has No Master

Making magic Gregg Bishop on witches, inspiring actors, instinctive filmmaking and The Heretiks

The road to The Guests Cristina Diz and Stefan Butzmühlen on working together on their latest film

Beyond Saturn Tina Gharavi, Tala Calil and Assaad Bouab on Shadows Of Beirut

Puppy love Brad Pitt on the 'moving' Heart Of The Beast shoot thanks to furry co-star Odin

More news and features

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


San Sebastian Golden night for Tender Loving Care


Toronto La Bola Negra wins People's Choice award


San Sebastian Naomi Watts dedicates Donostia Award to Lynch


San Sebastian Werner Herzog honoured


Dinard Full programme announced


LFF Full programme announced