EastEnders and Desmond's star Mona Hammond OBE dies aged 91

Virgin Radio

5 Jul 2022, 09:44

The sad news has landed that EastEnders and Desmond's actor Mona Hammond has passed away aged 91. The Jamaican-British actor — who played Blossom in the BBC soap — was also one of the first women of colour to play Lady MacBeth.

She'll be remembered by many for taking on the role of Blossom Jackson from 1994 to 1997 and again in 2010 for a cameo at great-grandson Billie Jackson's funeral, not forgetting her iconic role as Auntie Susu in one of Channel 4's longest running sitcoms, Desmond's, and in spin-off Porkpie.

Marcus Ryder, Chair of the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Arts (RADA), confirmed: "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."

On our screens and stages for over seven decades, the popular actor was awarded an OBE for her services to drama in 2005.

Other notable roles included parts in Coronation Street, Casualty, The Archers, The Sweeney, Chef! starring Lenny Henry, Doctor Who, and Channel 4 drama Run.

Loose Women and ITV News presenter Charlene White shared: "Mona Hammond, a trailblazer in every way. Thank-you."

Actor Danny John-Jules, aka Cat in Red Dwarf, tweeted: "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'. RIP".

Walford Weekly podcast shared: "Really sad to hear of Mona Hammond passing. Blossom was a great character during the early years of #EastEnders and was a great family figure for the Jackson family in their early days. R.I.P."