Mona Hammond was an American actress known for her roles in EastEnders, The Archers, and various theatrical productions. Born as Mavis Chin in Jamaica, she made significant contributions to drama and was a co-founder of the Talawa Theatre Company in England.
Personal and Family Life
Mona Hammond was born on January 1, 1931, in Tweedside, Clarendon, Jamaica. She was of mixed heritage, with a Chinese father and a Jamaican mother. Mona moved to Britain in 1959 after winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). She was married to Michael Saunders from 1965 until their divorce in 1987, and they have one son, Matthew Paul Saunders.
Career Highlights
Hammond began her career as a stage actress and gained fame for her portrayal of Lady Macbeth in an all-black version of Shakespeare’s play at London’s Roundhouse in 1970. She co-founded the Talawa Theatre Group, which aimed to create and perform works that represented black voices in theatre. Throughout her career, she performed in numerous plays and television shows, becoming a well-respected figure in the acting community.
Death and Legacy
Mona Hammond passed away on July 4, 2022. Her impact on the arts was recognized when she was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2005 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her contributions to drama. Hammond is remembered as a trailblazer who influenced countless actors and brought black stories to the forefront of British theatre.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 BC | 2008-03-04 | Old Mother |
| Kinky Boots | 2005-08-30 | Pat |
| Bucky | 2014-09-04 | Rita |
| Storm Damage | 2000-01-23 | Agnes |
| Pure | 2002-09-13 | Customer |
| Victims of Apartheid | 1978-10-24 | Zazie |
| Club Havana | 1975-10-25 | Mrs. Jordan |
| Playboy of the West Indies | 1985-10-13 | Mama Benin |
| When Love Dies | 1990-01-20 | Bella |
| Manderlay | 2005-06-03 | Old Wilma |
| The Life and Death of Peter Sellers | 2004-10-01 | Louise the Maid |
| White Teeth | 2002-09-16 | Hortense |
| Imagine Me & You | 2006-01-27 | Mrs Edwards |
| Pig Heart Boy | 1999-12-07 | Nan Preston |
| EastEnders | 1985-02-19 | Blossom Jackson |
| Doctor Who | 2005-03-26 | Rita Anne |
