KATE O’MARA 1939 – 2014

[singlepic id=813 w=311 h=231 float=left]The actress Kate O’Mara has died aged 74 after a short illness.

An accomplished theatre actress she appeared in many stage roles across a very long career. But it is for her many varied roles across Television, from Adam Adamant Lives to Z-Cars, that she will be most fondly remembered.

In 1975 she got a leading role in the BBC series The Brothers playing Jane Maxwell opposite sixth Doctor actor Colin Baker. This was to be the first of many soap and serials type roles that would be offered to her. A few years later she appeared in the ill-fated BBC super-soap Triangle. A short time later she went across the pond to America where she played Caress Morrell, sister of Alexis Colby, in Dynasty. Of this she once said:[singlepic id=814 w=300 h=210 float=right]

I asked them if they liked the take and they said ‘Oh yes it was great but your hair wasn’t right’ and I was supposed to be in prison.

More such roles followed, Howard’s Way, Bad Girls, the revamped Crossroads and Family Affairs. She was also offered many comedy roles and appeared in shows such as The Two Ronnies, Absolutely Fabulous and Benidorm.

[singlepic id=815 w=315 h=236 float=left]In 1985 Doctor Who producer John Nathan-Turner offered O’Mara the role of The Rani in the story The Mark of the Rani written by Pip and Jane Baker, opposite her former “Brothers” co-star Colin Baker. Two years later she was back with the show this time playing opposite Sylvester McCoy in Time and the Rani. The Rani was to make one more appearance on TV when for the shows 30th anniversary she reprised the role for a special Children In Need skit entitled Dimensions in Time. Kate clearly loved the role and in 2013 in an interview for GT (Gay Times) magazine she had this to say:

I was what they describe as an Iconic Villain. Whatever that may mean…..I can assure you darling, no matter what the play has been, after the matinee there would be a crowd of people at the stage door and they’re all Doctor Who fans. It’s an amazing phenomenon really… The part was written for me, so I quite honestly don’t see anyone else playing it all. I see me coming back to play it I really do!

On twitter former co-star Colin Baker said:

Oh my goodness. Kate O’Mara is no longer with us. Sad sad news. A delightful, committed and talented lady and actress. We are the poorer.

Bonnie Langford also tweeted:

So sad to hear that the wonderful Kate O’Mara has gone. Treasured memories xxx

Nicola Bryant added:

Such sad news:Kate O’Mara is no longer with us. A charismatic, courageous, & caring soul; a wonderful actor & a friend. May she finally RIP.

O’Mara’s Dynasty co-star, Joan Collins, also tweeted:

Tragic news about Kate O Mara , we had great fun on Dynasty when she played my sister Caress who Alexis insisted on calling CASSIE ! RIP

Tracey Childs, who appeared alongside O’Mara in the soap Howard’s Way, tweeted:

Today the world lost a fine actress & dedicated producer & I lost a friend of 3 decades. Safe journey Kate O’Mara. You were an inspiration X

O’Mara died in a Sussex nursing home following a short illness. She was married twice, firstly to actor Jeremy Young, and then to actor Richard Willis. She leaves a sister, actress Belinda Carroll, and a son, Christopher Linde. Her first son Dickon Young, died last year.

The actress last posted a message on Twitter on 17 March, to say:

Thank you so much for your kind tweets. It’s both humbling and completely overwhelming to read all of your messages. Much Love x.

Kate O’Mara there will never be another like you.

Rest In Peace.

Written by Steven Flavell

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