TRIBUTES FLOODED in as news spreads of the death of legendary actress Mona Hammond, the Desmond’s star.
A well-known face of stage and screen, Hammond was also a co-founder of the Talawa Theatre Company, to boost black productions and give more opportunities to aspiring black writers and directors.
Known for her infectious personality, Hammond was described as a trailblazer and had to her name Screen Nation’s highest award and an OBE for services to drama.
But she will be best remembered for her portrayal of Auntie Susu from the sitcom Desmond’s, and Blossom Jackson in Eastenders.
The Jamaican-born actress arrived in Britain in 1959 as one of the Windrush generation, and soon graduated from the prestigious acting school RADA before starting her six decade-long acting career.
ITV news presenter Charlene White tweeted: “Mona Hammond, a trailblazer in every way. Thank-you 
Entrepreneur Tru Powell said: “Thank you for kicking the door open so many can walk through.” And comedienne Angie le Mar added: “Thank you Mona Hammond OBE for leading the way. Big Respect to you RIP 
Hammond, born Mavis Chin, was born to a Jamaican mother and Chinese father in Clarenden in 1931.
She became an actress while working for a firm of architects and her big break was playing Lady MacBeth at the Roundhouse in 1970.
Many other prominent roles followed, but she will be best remembered for her hilarious Auntie Susu in Desmond’s, a character many of her fans could identify with.
She was 91 and is survived by her son and a granddaughter.
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Talawa, Carmen Munroe -not Jones-
Ms Mona Hammond made a fantastic contribution to the English Arts at a time when her skin-colour was a distraction.
Mona Hammond also deliberately open the door of opportunity for fellow African-heritage Actors and Actresses.
For for contribution and assistance to fellow African-heritage men and women in the Arts, Ms Hammond’s passing needs to be honoured.
R.I.P. Mona Hammond
You was and always will be a person to remember.