The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Pamela Salem, the renowned actress celebrated for her roles in both James Bond and Doctor Who.
Salem, who graced the silver screen as Miss Moneypenny in the 1983 James Bond film Never Say Never Again, passed away at the age of 80 on Wednesday, February 21.
Big Finish, a British production company for whom Salem contributed to several sci-fi audiobooks and plays, officially confirmed the sorrowful news of her passing.
“We are utterly heartbroken to confirm the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Pamela Salem,” they said in a statement.
Born January 22, 1944, Salem’s career spanned both television and film, showcasing her versatile talents. In the early 1980s, she gained recognition for her co-starring role as the malevolent witch Belor in the ITV children’s fantasy series Into the Labyrinth. Her late 1980s guest appearance in the BBC soap opera EastEnders as the shady mafia affiliate Joanne Francis further demonstrated her acting prowess.
Notably, Salem left a mark on the world of science fiction with two appearances in Doctor Who. She played Toos in The Robots of Death (1977) and Professor Rachel Jensen in Remembrance of the Daleks (1988), later reprising the latter role for Big Finish Productions’ audio drama spin-off series Counter Measures.
Her contributions also extended to popular British series such as Blake’s 7, The Professionals, and French Fields, where she had a recurring role from 1989 to 1991.
In the realm of film, Salem’s notable performance included portraying Miss Moneypenny in the 1983 James Bond film Never Say Never Again. Her cinematic journey also featured roles in Michael Crichton’s The First Great Train Robbery (1979), The Bitch (1979), and Gods and Monsters (1998), among others.
The news of Salem’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, with fans expressing their grief while celebrating her contributions to the world of entertainment.