Hammer Horror actress Veronica Carlson has died at the age of 77, her official Facebook page has confirmed.
The much-loved star was also a model but was mainly known by fans for her role in the iconic horror films.
Among her most famous roles were Maria in Dracula Has Risen from the Grave, Anna Spengler in Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed and Elizabeth Heiss in The Horror of Frankenstein.
She also starred in the 1972 television series Spyder’s Web as Wallis Ackroyd for 13 episodes.
Her final role came in The Rectory, which is currently in pre-production according to IMDb, starring as Lady Whitehouse.
And along with her film roles, Veronica was a keen artist – and even sketched her co-star Christopher Lee while filming the Dracula movie alongside him.
A post to Veronica’s official Facebook page on Sunday, February 27 read: “Veronica passed away this morning, we are in shock as a family.”
The official Hammer Gothic Twitter account followed up with a poignant tribute to the late star, writing: “According to her official Facebook page, the actor and artist Veronica Carlson has died. She was born 18 September 1944, making her 77.
“A much-loved member of the Hammer family, she starred in Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968) and Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969). RIP.”
Tributes from fans have already been pouring in, with one writing: “Sad news. I was fortunate like many others to meet her at various conventions over the years. A class act in every respect. My deepest condolences to her family.”
Another added: “I was 13 when I first saw Veronica on the big screen in ‘Dracula Has Risen From the Grave’. My life was never the same thereafter… RIP.”
As a third fan said: “I can’t quite believe it… She was posting photos just a few days ago, my heart goes out to her family and friends, she was such a beautiful soul.”
“Such awful news, my condolences to family and friends. It was a pleasure to have met her a couple of times. Rest In Peace Veronica,” someone else added.
Before the news broke of her sad death, the last post on Veronica’s Facebook page announced that the star would be attending the Carolina Fearfest event in Raleigh, North Carolina, from May 27th until May 29th later this year – a post which adds even more poignancy to her tragic death.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
