RIP Kate O’Mara (1939 – 2014)

I grew up in the 1980’s and my parents watched both Dynasty and Howards' Way so naturally I knew who Kate O’Mara was. But when you consider that The Vampire Lovers and The Horror of Frankenstein are on my list of all time favourite Hammer movies and that I adored the Rani in Doctor Who, you will understand how saddened I was to hear of Kate O’Mara’s passing yesterday. Having been a fan of her for years I had the privilege of meeting her once at a convention in 2004. In what would prove to be an extremely rare moment I found myself to be the only one in her line and so able to have a nice chat with her without being ushered on. She was an amazing lady, genuine and friendly and she posed for a photo and signed an autograph for my daughter, “how old is she?” she asked. I told her that she was three, “so she won’t have a clue who I am then?” she said, “Oh she will” I said, “count on it!” she laughed and thanked me. That would be the last time I saw her, but I made good on my promise, my daughter knows who the Rani is and as soon as she’s a little older I will let her see the above mentioned Hammer movies too!

© Arfon Jones 2014. All images are copyrighted throughout the world.