Who was EastEnders star Pamela Salem and when was she in Doctor Who?
EASTENDERS star Pamela Salem has passed away aged 80.
Following the news of her death, tributes have poured in for the actress, who was also known for Doctor Who.
Who was Pamela Salem?
Born in India in 1944, Pamela Salem was an actress who studied at the University of Heidelberg in Germany.
She learnt her craft at the Central School of Drama before starting repertory theatre in Chesterfield and York.
Pamela was a very gentle person – always interested in everyone, from her co-stars to the production team to the guest actors and visitors.
Pamela's producer David Richardson
The actress had a long career on stage, TV and film, and was known for starring in plays by Shakespeare, Chekhov and Pinter.
However, one of biggest roles was when she played Miss Moneypenny alongside Sean Connery in the James Bond film Never Say Never Again (1983).
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She was known for her voice work with the audio-drama production company Big Finish.
When did Pamela Salem die?
Pamela died at her home in in Surfside, Florida, on February 21, 2024, at the age of 80.
Revealing the news of her death, her Big Finish producer David Richardson said: "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.
"She would appear at the studio armed with the warmest smiles, the biggest hugs and often presents.
"She was a very gentle person – always interested in everyone, from her co-stars to the production team to the guest actors and visitors.
"She talked with joy about her home on Miami Beach, waking up to warmth and waves."
Who did Pamela Salem play in EastEnders?
Pamela played Joanne Francis in 37 episodes of EastEnders between 1988 and 1989.
Her character was first seen in Albert Square in June 1988, as a member of the gangster organisation known as The Firm.
Joanne was sent to Walford by her boss Mr Vinnicombe to manage Strokes Winebar, which was actually a facade for an illegal gambling den.
Her arrival upsets Dirty Den Watts (Leslie Grantham), who is the manager.
Despite initial hostility, Joanne and Den prove to be a good team and built up a strong working relationship.
Who did Pamela Salem play in Doctor Who?
Doctor who fans will remember Pamela for her character Professor Rachel Jensen
She starred in two series’ of the hit show -The Robots of Death in 1977, and Remembrance of the Daleks in 1988.
Salem reprised her role of Professor Jensen in the audio spin-off series Counter-Measures.
What else did Pamel Salem star in?
Pamela moved to LA then Miami in the 1990s, appearing a number of cult sci-fi films.
During her long career she also starred in high profile shows like ER and The West Wing.
Her other credits include a recurring role in sitcom French Fields and appearances in All Creatures Great and Small.
Was Pamela Salem married?
Pamela was married once during her life, to husband Michael O'Hagan.
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The couple wed in 1983, and remained together until his death in 2017.
He was an actor who was known for End of Days (1999), Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997) and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997).