Celebrity

James Bond fans mourn Goldfinger star Tania Mallet as she dies aged 77

Apr 01, 2019

Actress and model Tania Mallet has died at the age of 77. Source: Twitter/ James Bond

Bond girl Tania Mallet shot to fame in blockbuster Goldfinger, but fans were rocked on Monday by the news that the actress had passed away at the age of 77.

The much-loved movie star, who appeared alongside Sean Connery in the 1964 classic, was confirmed dead on Monday.

James Bond bosses took to social media to share the sad news with fans and pay tribute to the English former model, who was made famous thanks to her role as Bond girl Tilly Masterson.

“We are very sorry to hear that Tania Mallet who played Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger has passed away,” the statement, which was shared on social media, read.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”

We are very sorry to hear that Tania Mallet who played Tilly Masterson in GOLDFINGER has passed away. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/gMkqqheGJ7

— James Bond (@007) March 31, 2019

007 fans also shared their sadness in hearing the news, and shared their memories of watching the film in the ’60s.

“R.I.P. Tania Mallet aka Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger, one of the best characters in one of the best 007 movies,” one person wrote on Twitter.

“R.I.P. Tania Mallet. Another Bond girl has left us. She played Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger. I was lucky enough to meet her twice and she was so charming. Had a lovely chat with her about the 4K restoration of Goldfinger which we had seen on the big screen at an event,” another said.

A third added: “Sorry to hear this. The scene in the car with Bond when they first met is a favourite.”

RIP Tania Mallet. Another Bond girl has left us. She played Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger. I was lucky enough to meet her twice & she was so charming. Had a lovely chat with her about the 4K restoration of Goldfinger which we had seen on the big screen at an event. #taniamallet pic.twitter.com/w71Zbe9Aq7

— Rob Smith (@Fetchamlad) March 31, 2019

Tania, who is also the cousin of coveted actress Dame Helen Mirren, initially worked as a model before landing her first acting role in the iconic 007 movie. According to The Mirror a photo of her posing in a bikini was sent to the James Bond producer during casting for From Russia With Love.

She unfortunately didn’t land the part of Tatiana Romanova in the 1957 hit, but was eventually selected for the part of Masterson seven years later.

While the role boosted Tania into the spotlight, she was reportedly uninterested in pursuing a career in acting and had previously claimed the money was “dreadful”.

In a 2007 memoir written by Helen Mirren, the model was described as being a loyal and generous person, who used the money earned during Goldfinger to support her family and pay for her brother’s education.