June 18th: Today's Feature

June 18th

Mona Hammond OBE

(born Mavis Chin; 1 January 1931 – 4 July 2022) was a Jamaican-British actress and co-founder of the Talawa Theatre Company. Born in Tweedside, Jamaica, Hammond immigrated to the United Kingdom in 1959, where she lived for the rest of her life. Hammond had a long and distinguished stage career. She was best known for her work on British television and played Blossom Jackson in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.

Mona Hammond received an OBE in the 2005 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her contributions to drama. Additionally, in 2018, she was honoured with the Women of the World Lifetime Achievement Award for her extensive and notable career in theatre, as well as for her advocacy for Black British actors through the Talawa Theatre Company.

Early life

Hammond was born Mavis Chin, on 23 January 1931, in Tweedside, Clarendon Parish. Her father was Chinese and her mother was Afro-Jamaican. She moved to the United Kingdom in 1959 on a Jamaican Scholarship and worked for Norman and Dawbarn Architects. She attended evening classes at the City Literary Institute in London for two years and was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating in 1964.

Career

Born in Jamaica in 1931, to Jamaican and Chinese parents, Hammond moved to the UK in her late 20s on a scholarship, working for an architecture firm.

After attending acting evening classes for two years she was awarded a Rada scholarship, later cutting her teeth in theatre productions such as Josephine House and Macbeth.

Hammond's acting career took off when she ventured into voice acting, making her debut as Minette in the 1964 radio play adaptation of Roger Mais's novel, Brother Man. This marked the beginning of her journey in the entertainment industry, where she showcased her talent and versatility.

Following her successful radio play appearance, Hammond quickly transitioned to television, landing the role of Carole in Claude Whatham's television movie A Question of Hell in the same year. This opportunity allowed her to demonstrate her acting prowess on the small screen, captivating audiences with her performance.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Hammond made notable appearances on popular television shows such as Softly, Softly and The Troubleshooters. These early television roles further solidified her presence in the industry and showcased her ability to bring characters to life with depth and authenticity.

Hammond's breakthrough came in 1970 when she secured her first leading role as Lady Macbeth in Peter Coe's African version of the play at the Roundhouse. This significant milestone in her career allowed her to showcase her range as an actress and garnered critical acclaim for her portrayal of the iconic character.

Throughout her career, Hammond actively sought out opportunities to work with emerging black writers, starring in plays such as Sweet Talk by Michael Abbensetts, 11 Josephine House by Alfred Fagon, and various works by Mustapha Matura. Her dedication to supporting and promoting black voices in the industry was evident in her choice of projects, which explored themes of identity, culture, and social issues.

Additionally, Hammond spent two years at the National Theatre, where she participated in productions such as Fuente Ovejuna and Peer Gynt, directed by Declan Donnellan, and The Crucible. These experiences allowed her to collaborate with renowned directors and further hone her craft on prestigious stages, solidifying her reputation as a talented and versatile actress.

In 1985, Hammond co-founded Talawa Theatre Company, a groundbreaking black theatre company, alongside Yvonne Brewster, Inigo Espejel, and Carmen Munroe. This initiative aimed to provide a platform for black artists and tell stories that reflected the African diaspora. Talawa Theatre Company quickly gained recognition as one of the UK's most prominent black theatre companies, producing award-winning plays and reimagining classical British pieces through a diverse lens.

Mona Hammond showcased her exceptional talent in numerous productions by Talawa theatre, such as The Black Jacobins, The Importance of Being Earnest, and King Lear.

Awards

Mona's exceptional contributions to the field of drama in the UK were recognised in 2005 when she was bestowed with the prestigious OBE.

The following year, she was honoured with the Edric Connor Inspiration Award, the highest accolade presented by the Screen Nation Film and Television Awards in the UK. This award served as a testament to Mona's remarkable talent and dedication to her craft.

Fast forward to 2018, Mona's illustrious career in theatre and her unwavering support for black British actors were acknowledged with the Women of the World lifetime achievement award. This esteemed recognition highlighted her significant impact on the industry and her tireless efforts in championing diversity and inclusivity.

A year later, Mona's remarkable achievements were further celebrated as she was granted an honorary RADA Fellowship, solidifying her status as a respected figure in the world of performing arts. These accolades not only showcase Mona's exceptional talent and commitment but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring actors and artists around the globe.

Retirement & Death

Hammond decided to spend her later years at Brinsworth House, a retirement home specifically designed for entertainers. This move provided her with a comfortable and supportive environment where she could enjoy her retirement.

In 2018, an exciting event took place at Brinsworth House when Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, paid a visit to the home. Hammond warmly welcomed the Duchess, who took the time to interact with the residents and learn about their experiences in the entertainment industry. This visit brought joy and excitement to Hammond and the other residents, creating cherished memories that they would treasure for years to come.

Hammond died in Hounslow, London, on 4 July 2022, at the age of 91.