Doctor Who actress Mary Tamm, 62, dies after long battle with cancer
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Doctor Who actress Mary Tamm, 62, died this morning after a long battle against cancer, her agent confirmed today.
Tamm, who played the first incarnation of the Doctor's companion Romana, alongside Tom Baker, died at hospital in London. Her agent Barry Langford said she had a 'zest for life.'
However, She died at her home in Battersea, south west London after suffering from cancer for 18 months.
Mary Tamm who played Romana in Doctor Who, seen here with Tom Baker, has lost her battle with cancer
Her husband Marcus Ringrose said: 'On set and offstage, her earthy northern humour and self-deprecating wit brightened every occasion. She was a consummate actress, and immensely popular in the profession.
'Mary was born in Bradford, the daughter of impoverished refugees, and through sheer talent and hard graft got herself to Rada, starred opposite Jon Voight in The Odessa File, and found a form of immortality as the Time Lady Romana opposite Tom Baker in Doctor Who.
'We will miss her every day.'
Illustrious career: Mary also had starring roles in films The Odessa File and The Likely Lads and she also appeared in soaps Brookside and EastEnders
Tamm played the role of Time Lady Romanadvoratrelundar, Romana for short, from 1978 to 1979.
She reportedly refused to reprise her role on the show after her character became more of a damsel in distress and less of an independent hero.
As well as Doctor Who, Mary had starring roles in films The Odessa File and The Likely Lads and she also appeared in soaps Brookside and EastEnders.
Strong star: Tamm recently starred in Wire In The Blood, Jonathan Creek and Paradise Heights
Leading lady: Mary was the first incarnation of the Doctor's companion Romana
Mr Langford, her agent of 22 years, told the Daily Mirror: 'She had a great zest for life. She was a fantastic actress - she played stage parts of such range, parts that would take your breath away.
'She could play any role, and do so wonderfully.'
The RADA trained actress, who was involved in fundraising for the Eve Appeal, the gynaecology cancer research fund, lived in Battersea, south London, with her husband Marcus, daughter Lauren and seven-year-old son Max.
Her first professional job was at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre where she worked alongside Derek Jacobi, Joan Sims and Ronnie Barker.
From there she moved on to television work and film, her first feature film being Tales That Witness Madness with Kim Novak.
She recently starred in Wire In The Blood, Paradise Heights and Jonathan Creek, with stage work including Amanda in Private Lives and Beverley in Abigail's Party.
Her autobiography was published three years ago.
Mr Langford said Tamm had been saddened by the recent deaths of contemporaries Elisabeth Sladen, who played Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who, and Angharad Rees, who died last weekend.
He added: 'All of these people who she knew were going.'
Actress and friend Helen Lederer said: 'Mary was such an energised, talented woman with a great twinkle in her eye and she was so very beautiful.'
Doctor Who novelist and screenplay writer Paul Cornell said: 'She was always great fun on screen, and those who knew her say that was true off screen too.'
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