EastEnders pays tribute after Mona Hammond passes away, aged 91
EastEnders has paid tribute to the late Mona Hammond, who passed away on Monday (July 4) at the age of 91.
Hammond, a star of both stage and screen, played Blossom Jackson on the BBC One soap from 1994 until 1997. She returned to the role for two further episodes in October 2010, when Blossom attended the funeral of her great-grandson Billie.
An EastEnders spokesperson said all are "deeply saddened" about the passing of Hammond, who appeared in 233 episodes of the long-running show.
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EastEnders' statement said: "We are deeply saddened to hear that Mona Hammond has passed away. Mona created a no-nonsense grandmother in Blossom Jackson, who was adored by the audience and everyone who worked with her.
"Our love and thoughts are with Mona's family and friends."
Alongside her successful soap career, Hammond was a regular on stage and a founding member of the Talawa Theatre Company, which strives to "champion Black excellence in theatre".
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In its tribute to Hammond, Talawa Theatre Company said: "We are devastated to hear of the passing of Mona Hammond OBE. As one of the founders of Talawa, a trailblazer and champion of Black British theatre, Mona's passion and vision will remain fundamental to all we do, and her legacy will forever burn bright."
For her impact on the theatre industry, Hammond was appointed an Honorary Fellow of RADA in 2019, an accolade that celebrates "both high profile and unsung" figures. She was awarded a RADA scholarship in 1961 at the very start of her acting career.
Hammond's TV credits included Auntie Susu in the groundbreaking Channel 4 sitcom Desmond's and its spinoff Porkpie.
She also appeared in the likes of the BAFTA-winning drama Pig Heart Boy, A Touch of Frost, Doctors, Chef!, Whitechapel, Holby City, Death in Paradise, White Teeth and Doctor Who.
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She also appeared in films including 10,000 BC, Shakespeare's Coriolanus with Ralph Fiennes and Vanessa Redgrave, and Kinky Boots.
Loose Women and ITV News presenter Charlene White joined those paying tribute to Hammond, thanking her for being a "trailblazer".
Her fellow EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison added Hammond was "a wonderful actress and a pioneering woman... 91 years of inspiration".
"Mona Hammond... Pioneer. Skilled. Funny. And kind to me as a young actor," said Paterson Joseph. "What a generation! We stand on their shoulders. Never Forgotten."
EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
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