HONOR BLACKMAN R.I.P.

Breaking news: Honor Blackman passed away today. Born on August 22, 1925, Blackman soared to stardom in the 1960s as a role model for strong independent women. She brought an athletic, fighting spirit (she knocked out two boys as a kid!), brainy intelligence, and her natural beauty to the early years of The Avengers, where she became the first emancipated (and leather-clad!) action heroine. Her striking looks and judo skills then gained international acclaim when she appeared as Pussy Galore in Goldfinger. Honor Blackman remained active in the business throughout the decades. In the past years, she toured a memoir show, appeared in You, Me & Them, launched clothing sales for charity, and participated in numerous anniversary events celebrating the legacy of The Avengers and James Bond. Gone today at the age of 94. From the family statement: "It’s with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Honor Blackman aged 94. She died peacefully of natural causes at her home in Lewes, Sussex, surrounded by her family. She was much loved and will be greatly missed by her two children Barnaby and Lottie, and grandchildren Daisy, Oscar, Olive and Toby." Obituary at The Guardian here. Below: early press photos via Getty Images. Related Spy Vibe posts:  Avengers Pop Art Interview, Diana Rigg Auto Show, Avengers Interview: Alan Hayes, Jaz Wiseman Interview, Avengers Interview: Mike Richardson, Casino Royale Interview: Mike Richardson, The Saint Interview: Ian Dickerson, Avengers Interview: Rodney Marshall, Avengers Interview Rodney Marshall 2, John Buss Interview, Farewell Steed, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Lost Diana Rigg Interview, Diana Rigg BFI Screening, Avengers Season 5 Titles, The Avengers Sing, Lost Avengers Vol 2-7, Richard Sala Interview: Super Enigmatix, Adventures of Richard Sala Interview, Avengerworld, Integrity Toys Dolls.

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