Mona Hammond has been hailed as a pioneer and trailblazer following her death at 91.
The Jamaican-British actress, best known for playing Blossom Jackson in BBC soap EastEnders and Auntie Susu in sitcom Desmond's, was a star on stage and screen for decades.
In 2018, she was awarded the Women of the World lifetime achievement award for her theatre career and championing black British actors.
The award came after she founded the Talawa theatre company, one of the UK’s most prominent black theatre companies, in response to the "lack of creative opportunities for black actors and the marginalisation of black peoples from cultural processes", its website said.
Former EastEnders actress Cheryl Fergison paid tribute to Hammond on Tuesday, describing her as an "inspiration".
She wrote on Instagram: "What a wonderful actress and pioneering woman, RIP Mona Hammond 91 fantastic years of inspiration."
Similarly, Loose Women presenter Charlene White wrote: "Mona Hammond, a trailblazer in every way. Thank you."
During her career, Hammond appeared as the matriarch of the Jackson family from 1994 to 1997 on EastEnders for 233 episodes, returning in October 2010 for two episodes to attend her on-screen great-grandson Billie Jackson’s funeral.
It was her second appearance on the soap, having played a smaller role as Michelle Fowler’s midwife in 1986.
In a statement, EastEnders said: "We are deeply saddened to hear that Mona Hammond has passed away.
"Mona created a no-nonsense grandmother in Blossom Jackson, who was adored by the audience and everyone who worked with her. Our love and thoughts are with Mona’s family and friends."
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.
— Marcus Ryder MBE (@marcusryder) July 5, 2022
She was also a @RADA_London graduate and received an honorary RADA Fellowship in 2019. https://t.co/SxZMKVGPe4 pic.twitter.com/GS8Zlo1kY4
Marcus Ryder, chairman of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) in the UK, tweeted: "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."
Hammond was born Mavis Chin in Jamaica to a Jamaican mother and Chinese father, and in 1961 was awarded a scholarship to Rada. She graduated in 1964 having moved to the UK at the age of 28.
Marcus Ryder, who is the Chair at the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in the UK confirmed the news on social media, writing: "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."
