Mona Hammond has sadly passed away at the age of 91.
The Jamaican-British actress became known for her role playing Blossom Jackson in long-running BBC soap EastEnders and other well-known dramas.
She also played the role of Susu in Desmond’s during the early nineties.
Loose Women star Charlene White was amongst those who shared their tributes to the late star.
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Taking to Twitter she wrote: “Mona Hammond, a trailblazer in every way. Thank-you,” adding a heart emoji.
Strictly Come Dancing and Death in Paradise star Danny John-Jules added: “Yesterday we lost a #WindrushLegend #MonaHammond All praise to Ladies of the #VisitMona Group (Led by #SuzetteLlewellyn) Who tirelessly made sure that Mona was well looked after from the moment she went into care, her ‘Final Curtain’.
(Image: WireImage)
“RIP Mona (Mavis Chin) Hammond 1/1/31 -4/7/22.”
Marcus Ryder, who previously worked as the Chair of the Royal Television Society’s Diversity Committee took to Twitter to share the sad news.
He wrote: “It is with sadness that I wake up to the news Mona Hammond has died. Among her numerous achievements she co-founded Talawa Theatre Company in 1985.
“She was also a@RADA_London graduate and received an honorary RADA Fellowship in 2019.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Mona was born in Jamaica on January 1, 1931 and moved to the UK in 1959 on a Jamaican Scholarship. She then worked for Norman and Dawbarn Architects.
Mona became popular with fans for her time spent in Albert Square playing the memorable Blossom Jackson in 1994.
Despite playing a midwife in the soap in 1986, she later joined the show on a more permanent basis and remained there until her exit in 1997.
However Mona did make a return to Albert Square in 2010 where she reprised the role for two episodes.
(Image: BBC)
Having began her career in theatre, Mona also became the star of the stage as well as the screen.
Mona also became known as an occasional actress on the radio too, playing Mabel Thompson on the BBC soap opera The Archers.
The actress also starred in other well known TV dramas – including roles on Holby City, Doctors and Death in Paradise – and even an appearance the 2008 movie 10,000 BC, directed by Roland Emmerich.
(Image: BBC)
In 2005, she was appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2005 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Since hearing the news fans have also paid their respects on social media.
One person wrote: “Oh gosh. How very sad. She graced our screens for years, bringing immense joy. May god rest her.”
Another penned: “Waking up to the sad news that Mona Hammond, who I adored as Blossom in EastEnders and enjoyed watching as Aunty Susu in Desmond’s has passed away at 91. Thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Mona is survived by her son, Matthew Paul Saunders.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
