Honor Blackman

Honor Blackman (22 August 1925 – 5 April 2020) was an English actress and singer renowned for her pioneering roles on screen and stage. Born in Canning Town, West Ham, England, she began her training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama at fifteen, balancing clerical work for the Home Office while honing her craft. After graduating she entered live theatre, understudying in West End productions before making her film debut in Fame Is the Spur (1947). Blackman’s breakthrough came with the television series The Avengers, where she portrayed the strong‑willed Dr Cathy Gale, a character famed for her judo skills and leather wardrobe, a rarity for women on British TV at the time. This high‑profile role led to her iconic casting as Pussy Galore in the James Bond film Goldfinger (1964), a performance that cemented her status as a cultural icon and showcased her athletic background. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s she appeared in a wide range of films—including Jason and the Argonauts (1963), Shalako (1968) and A Night to Remember (1958)—and continued to work in television, delivering memorable guest spots on series such as Doctor Who, Midsomer Murders and the sitcom The Upper Hand (1990‑1996). In addition to acting, Blackman pursued a singing career, recording the novelty hit “Kinky Boots” with Patrick Macnee and releasing the album Everything I’ve Got after her Bond success. Her later years saw her return to the stage in productions like My Fair Lady and a one‑woman show titled Word of Honor, demonstrating her enduring versatility and passion for performance. A lifelong liberal‑political activist, she declined a CBE on republican grounds, remained a vocal Liberal Democrat, and was celebrated for both her artistic contributions and her outspoken advocacy for women’s representation in the arts. Blackman passed away peacefully at her home in Lewes, East Sussex, on 5 April 2020, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking roles, beloved recordings, and a reputation as one of Britain’s most respected and resilient performers.