Joanna Pettet obit

Beloved Actress Joanna Pettet Has Died at 83

Actress Joanna Pettet, known for her film and television work in the 1960s and ’70s, has died at the age of 83. 

She was not on the list.

Actress Joanna Pettet, a versatile talent who graced both the Broadway stage and classic Hollywood screens for decades, has passed away at the age of 83.

The news was shared by her close friend, Pam DuBois, who noted that Pettet passed away on a deeply significant date—the 31st anniversary of the death of her beloved son, Damien, who predeceased her.

“We all loved Jo—but there was one person who loved her more,” DuBois wrote. “And yesterday on the 31st anniversary of his death, Damien Zach took his mother to heaven and there she will stay with him forever.”

Key Takeaways

Actress Joanna Pettet has died at the age of 83.

Her passing was announced by close friend Pam DuBois.

Pettet died on the 31st anniversary of her son Damien’s passing.

She enjoyed a successful career on Broadway, in film, and on television.

Pettet was remembered for roles in Casino Royale, Charlie’s Angels, and Murder, She Wrote.

A Career That Spanned Broadway, Film, and Television

Born in London and raised in Canada, Pettet moved to the United States as a teenager to study drama in New York City. Her talent was evident early on, leading to her Broadway debut when she was just 19 years old.

That early stage success quickly translated to a prolific career on the screen.

Film fans will remember her best for her high-profile big-screen credits, including her role as Mata Bond in the 1967 James Bond satire Casino Royale, as well as starring roles in The Best House in London and Double Exposure.

Remembering Joanna Pettet

Beyond cinema, Pettet became an incredibly familiar face to television audiences throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.

She guest-starred on an impressive roster of hit series. That includes dramas, comedies, and mysteries.

Her extensive television credits included appearances on Route 66, The Doctors, Dr. Kildare, Mannix, Night Gallery, Thriller, Police Woman, Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat, Hotel, and Murder, She Wrote.

Pettet was previously married to actor Alex Cord for several years.

Even the leaders of her church paid tribute to her. “Joe Joe” Jo Anna Pettet Nov. 16, 1942 – July 7, 2026. What an honor to have shared in the journey of faith with so many who have been inspired by the Lord’s goodness. Thank you for being part of our ministry’s story and for walking in the light of His love. Pastor Mark Gaston and Evangelist Bernice Gaston Last Days Ministries Christian Center”

“Farewell,” they said, “Hollywood Lost An Angel. Heaven Gained Another Angel.”

Soap Opera News’ thoughts and prayers go out to all of Joanna’s friends, family, and longtime fans during this difficult time.

Pettet was born in London, England on 16 November 1942, the daughter of Harold Nigel Egerton Salmon and Cecily J. Tremaine, who were married in Chelsea, London in 1940. Her father, a British Royal Air Force pilot, was killed in the Second World War in 1943. After the war, her mother remarried and settled in Montréal, where Joanna was adopted by her stepfather and assumed his surname of "Pettet".

When Pettet was 16, she moved to New York City.

 

Filmography

Film

Year     Title     Role

1966    The Group       Kay Strong Peterson

1967    The Night of the Generals       Ulrike von Seidlitz-Gabler

Casino Royale Mata Bond / James Bond

Robbery          Kate Clifton

1968    Blue     Joanne Morton

1969    The Best House in London     Josephine Pacefoot

1974    Welcome to Arrow Beach       Grace Henry

1978    The Evil          Dr. Caroline Arnold

1982    Double Exposure        Mindy Jordache

Black Commando       Desdemona

1987    Sweet Country Monica

1990    Terror in Paradise        Dr. Fletcher

Television

Year     Title     Role     Notes

1964    Route 66          Millie Wilkins "Child of a Night"

1965    The Doctors    Judy Lloyd      "1.481"

The Nurses      Carol Lloyd     "A Dangerous Silence"

The Trials of O'Brien  Liz Martin       "Picture Me a Murder"

1966    The Fugitive    Tina Andresen "Shadow of a Swan"

A Man Called Shenandoah     Julia Riley       "The Riley Brand"

Dr. Kildare      Yvonne Barlow           Guest role (season 5)

1967    Three for Danger        Serena TV film

1970    Night Gallery  Elaine Latimer "The House"

1971    Claire Foster    "Keep in Touch - We'll Think of Something"

Mannix            Cindy Warren  "A Button for General D."

1972    The Delphi Bureau     April Thompson          "Pilot"

Miss Stewart, Sir         Kate Stewart    TV film

The Weekend Nun      Sister Mary Damian/Marjorie Walker            ABC Movie of the Week

Banacek          Christine Verdon         "Project Phoenix"

Footsteps         Sarah Allison   TV film

Night Gallery  Rhona Warwick / The Girl with the Hungry Eyes      "The Caterpillar", "The Girl with the Hungry Eyes"

1973    McCloud         Melissa Thompson      "The Solid Gold Swingers"

Pioneer Woman           Maggie Sergeant         TV film

1974    Medical Center           Molly   "Girl from Bedlam"

A Cry in the Wilderness          Delda Hadley  TV film

Police Story     Adria   "Glamour Boy"

1974–1975      Thriller            Sylvia Dee / Jody Baxter        "A Killer in Every Corner", "A Midsummer Nightmare"

Harry O           Glenna Nielson / Breda Beach           "Forty Reasons to Kill: Parts 1 & 2", "Group Terror"

1975    Caribe  Andrea "Vanished"

The Desperate Miles   Ruth Merrick   TV film

Police Woman Glenna Burns / Beth Lord       "Silence"

1976    The Dark Side of Innocence   Jesse Breton    TV film

Captains and the Kings           Katherine Hennessey  TV miniseries

1977    Quinn Martin's Tales of the Unexpected        Julie Thomas   "You're Not Alone"

Sex and the Married Woman  Leslie Fitch     TV film

1979    Heaven Only Knows  Lynn Harpster TV film

1979–1982      The Love Boat            Carol Hanson / Angelina Blenderman / Lenore Pitchford      3 episodes

1980    Charlie's Angels          Barbara Brown           "Nips and Tucks"

Cry of the Innocent     Cynthia Donegin / Candia Leighton   TV film

The Return of Frank Cannon  Alana Richardson        TV film

1980–1983      Fantasy Island Nona Lauren / Celeste Vallon / Vanessa Walgren       3 episodes

1981    Aloha Paradise            Fiona   2 episodes

Tales of the Unexpected         Betsy   "A Glowing Future"

1982    The Littlest Hobo        Cynthia Masters          "Forget Me Not"

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers        Meg Palmer     "Christmas Song"

1983    Knots Landing Det. Janet Baines        Recurring role

1984    The Yellow Rose         Lane Roberts   "Running Free"

Knight Rider   Joanna St. John           "Mouth of the Snake"

The Fall Guy   Herself "Always Say Always"

Finder of Lost Loves  Claire Hardy   "Undying Love"

1984–1985      Hotel   Lauren Chapman / Sally Banks          "Reflections", "Lost and Found"

1987    Murder, She Wrote      Virginia McCormack  "The Way to Dusty Death"

1989    ABC Afterschool Special        Carolyn Adams           "Just Tipsy, Honey"

Awards and nominations

Awards

Year     Award  Category          Production       Result

1965    Theatre World Award  Outstanding New York city stage debut performance, either on Broadway or Off-Broadway Poor Richard   Won

1974    Western Heritage Awards        Television Feature Film          Pioneer Woman           Won