Pamela Salem, the actress best known for portraying Miss Moneypenny opposite Sean Connery in Never Say Never Again, has passed away at the age of 80.
She was remembered fondly by colleagues for her warmth, kindness, and generosity on film and television productions throughout her career.
“Pamela Salem was lovely, and we all loved her. Whenever there was a Big Finish recording for her, she’d fly in from Miami on her own steam, without fuss or fanfare, and appear at the studio armed with the warmest smiles, the biggest hugs and often presents,” Doctor Who audio drama producer David Richardson said.
“She was a very gentle person, always interested in everyone from her co-stars to the production team to the guest actors and visitors.”
“Pamela was the kindest, most generous actor I have ever worked with,” Karen Gledhill said. “Back in the 80s on Remembrance Of The Daleks (my first proper TV job), she took me under her wing and led me through a wonderful but slightly daunting experience. We became friends, and whenever we met were always so pleased to see each other.”
“She was so loved, so respected and will be so missed,” Gledhill said.
Salem was born in India and raised in an artistic household, later studying at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
Her notable roles included portraying Prime Minister Maureen Graty on The West Wing and playing Professor Rachel Jensen in Doctor Who during the 1980s.
She was married for 35 years to actor Michael O’Hagan until his death in 2017.
