James Bond star Pamela Salem has died at the age of 80.
The actress is known for her role as Miss Moneypenny in Never Say Never Again alongside Sean Connery in 1983.
She also appeared in EastEnders as Joanne in 1988 and has appeared on shows such as General Hospital and ER.
Production company Big Finish said: “We are deeply heartbroken to confirm the death of our dear friend and colleague Pamela Salem.”
Pamela was born in Mumbai (then Bombay), India, and later studied at Heidelberg University in Germany before attending the Central School of Speech and Drama.
James Bond star Pamela Salem has died aged 80 (pictured in 1982)
The actress is known for her role as Miss Moneypenny in Never Say Never Again opposite Sean Connery in 1983 (Pamela pictured with Sean Connery and Barbara Carrera).
Pamela's character was the secretary to Bond's boss M (pictured in Never Say Never Again).
Her television career began in the early 1970s with guest appearances on shows such as Out Of The Unknown and Jason King.
Pamela's breakthrough on the big screen came in 1978 when she appeared in the heist comedy “The First Great Train Robbery”, working alongside Sean Connery for the first time.
She then appeared alongside Joan Collins in the 1979 film The B**ch, based on the novel of the same name by Joan's sister Jackie.
Four years later, she made one of her most memorable film appearances as Miss Moneypenny in Never Say Never Again, which grossed $160 million at the box office.
Pamela previously told how Sean got her the role himself after learning she was one of several actresses being considered.
He is said to have fondly remembered working with her on “The First Great Train Robbery” and recommended her to the 007 producers.
Speaking to Double-O-Seven Magazine, she said: “I had already worked with Sean Connery in The First Great Train Robbery and when he saw that I was one of the many people up for the role, he jumped at it He personally introduced me to the right people, which was very nice.'
The character was previously played by Lois Maxwell, but Pamela was confident she could make the role her own.
She said: “It's just a matter of interpreting it in your own way and playing it as truthfully as possible, which wasn't hard, you know, admiring Bond from a distance because I think he (Sean) is a wonderful man.” .'
Pamela Salem appeared alongside Sean Connery in the 007 film Never Say Never Again
Pamela also appeared in EastEnders as Joanne in 1988
Pamela appeared alongside EastEnders star Pat Butcher during her time on the BBC soap (Pam St Clement).
Pamela was born in Mumbai (then Bombay), India, and later studied at Heidelberg University in Germany before attending the Central School of Speech and Drama (pictured 1984).
Pamela's breakthrough on the big screen came in 1978 when she appeared in the heist comedy “The First Great Train Robbery”, working alongside Sean Connery for the first time
Pamela appeared as Belor in the children's television series Into The Labyrinth (pictured 1981).
Actress Karen Gledhill fondly remembered working with Pamela (right) in the television series Remembrance Of The Daleks
Pamela appeared alongside actor Lewis Collins in the crime series The Professionals
Pamela lived in Surfside, Florida, where she died on February 21st (pictured 2005)
Pamela was married to actor Michael O'Hagan until his death in November 2017
Other film appearances included Salomé (1986) and Gods and Monsters (1998).
Pamela was also known to science fiction fans for her appearances in Doctor Who and Blake's 7.
She was married to actor Michael O'Hagan until his death in November 2017. The couple lived in Surfside, Florida, where Pamela died on February 21st.
David Richardson, who worked with Pamela on Big Finish productions, paid tribute to her, saying: “Whenever there was a Big Finish recording for her, she flew in from Miami under her own power, without much fuss or fanfare, and joined the one on studio, armed with the warmest smiles, biggest hugs and often gifts.
“She was a very gentle person – always interested in everyone, from her co-stars to the production team to the guest actors and visitors.”
He added: “We had many happy days together and I am very lucky to have had her in my life.”
Actress Karen Gledhill said: “Pamela was the kindest and most generous actress I have ever worked with.” In the '80s she took me under her wing on Rememrbance Of The Daleks (my first real TV job) and guided me through a wonderful, but somewhat discouraging experience.
“We became friends, and whenever we met, we were always so happy to see each other.” Counter-Measures was an absolute bonus – almost eight years of regular contact with this unique woman, whose talent and professionalism shone like a star, who she was – what a privilege to have worked with her.”
Many of Pamela's fans took to social media to pay tribute to her
Fans of the star took to social media to pay tribute to her. One wrote on X: “Very sad to hear that Pamela Salem has passed away. “A true star.”
Others wrote: “Very sad.” I met her a few times in London in the 90s… “Very sad.” She really had authority on screen. But I absolutely loved her appearances in Big Finish’s Counter-Measures series.”
Others added: “So sad.” I was just recently thinking about her and the 80s TV series Into The Labyrinth… “Excellent actress and an instantly recognizable voice.”
Screenwriter Gareth Roberts wrote: “Farewell, Pamela Salem.” A good actress. She always seemed so *fun*.'