Cathy Gale - The Original Woman!

The Original Woman

Cathy Gale became self-sufficient in most matters after falling in love and marrying an African farmer. Her husband was killed on the farm they owned and after staying in Africa for a few years she moved back to London to envelope her talent in photography. This is where she earned her PhD in Anthropology - she was called in to help John Steed with some "black magic" matters, whilst working at the London Museum. Steed's attitude annoyed her and they enjoyed a love/hate relationship throughout the 5 years they were partners - yet she still sent him a Christmas card !(Too Many Christmas Trees).

Honor Blackman

Born in London in 1926
Began acting whilst taking elocution lessons at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, she understudied roles in the West End
She was chosen to play Cathy Gale, which broke her loose from the name she had made for herself as an "English Rose"
The part she played was written for a man, but Honor wanted to play it rough and tough and ended up doing all her own stunts. She even hit an actor unconscious during the shooting of one episode!
She was awarded the 1963 Variety Club, Personality of the Year Award, after just two seasons
Honor left The Avengers in 1964 during the filming of the last season to play the part of Pussy Galore in the James Bond film, Goldfinger with Sean Connery.