| British actress Date of Birth: 27.11.1961 Country: Great Britain |
Samantha Bond was born in London on November 27, 1961, into a family immersed in the arts. Her father, Philip Bond, was a respected television actor known for his roles in "Colditz" and "Doctor Who." Her mother, Pat Sondes, was a producer.
From an early age, Bond was surrounded by notable performers who visited their home, including Patrick Magee, famous for his collaborations with Stanley Kubrick in "A Clockwork Orange" and "Barry Lyndon." Influenced by this creative environment, Bond's path to acting was paved.
Although her childhood dream was to become a dancer, her weight gain during adolescence closed the door to a professional ballet career. Instead, she found her way to the stage, joining her school's drama club and quickly taking on leading roles.
After deciding to pursue acting, Bond enrolled at the prestigious Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol, whose alumni include Brian Blessed, Olivia Colman, and Patrick Stewart.
Bond's acting debut came while still a student at drama school, playing the role of Maria Bertram in the television adaptation of Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park." This successful debut led to another adaptation, "Murder Is Announced," which featured Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.
Bond made her big-screen debut in the fantasy film "Erik the Viking," playing the supporting role of Helga alongside Tim Robbins and Mickey Rooney. Another notable early role was Mrs. Stella Robinson in the detective series "Agatha Christie's Poirot," starring David Suchet as the famed detective.
Bond gained worldwide recognition for her portrayal of Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond film series. She first appeared in "GoldenEye" and subsequently appeared in three more Bond films, "Tomorrow Never Dies," "The World Is Not Enough," and "Die Another Day."
Her role as Miss Moneypenny brought her acclaim, but did not significantly alter the trajectory of her career. She continued to appear regularly on screen, primarily in guest roles on popular television shows, including "The Sarah Jane Adventures," "Hotel Babylon," and "Lark Rise to Candleford."
One of Bond's most memorable roles was that of Lady Rosamund Painswick in the historical drama "Downton Abbey." She initially had a guest role in the early seasons but gradually became a fan favorite, eventually joining the main cast alongside Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, and Brendan Coyle.
Samantha Bond married fellow actor Alexander Hanson in 1989. They have two children, Molly and Tom, who have both pursued careers in acting.
Bond maintains a close relationship with her parents, despite their divorce. She lost her mother to colon cancer in 2000 but fondly remembers her as an insightful and compassionate woman.
Her father lived to an advanced age, passing away at 82. Bond describes him as a charming and hilarious man who was not cut out for marriage. From a young age, he took her to film sets, providing her with invaluable lessons in acting.
Bond's siblings have also chosen creative paths: Abigail is an acting teacher, while Matthew is a film critic.
In recent years, Bond has continued to work in film and television. In 2022, she appeared in "In Bed with a Stranger" and reprised her role as Lady Rosamund Painswick in "Downton Abbey: A New Era."
Bond remains a respected and versatile actress, showcasing her talent in a wide range of roles throughout her career.