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."

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