Tania Mallet dies at 77: James Bond bosses mourn Goldfinger actress

British Bond Girl Tania Mallet has died at the age of 77.

The actress best known for playing Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger, alongside Sean Connery, was mourned by James Bond fans and bosses on Sunday evening.

News of her passing was confirmed by the Official James Bond Twitter account, with a message of condolence for her family. 

Beloved: British actress Tania Mallet, best known for her Bond Girl role in Goldfinger, has died at the age of 77 (here in 2005)

Beloved: British actress Tania Mallet, best known for her Bond Girl role in Goldfinger, has died at the age of 77 (here in 2005)

The tweet read: 'We are very sorry to hear that Tania Mallet who played Tilly Masterson in GOLDFINGER has passed away.

'Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.' 

Tania is the first cousin of fellow British actress Helen Mirren, who recently said her 'dream role' would be a James Bond villain. 

Tania started working as a model in 1957, aged just 16, and became one of the most recognisable models of the late 1950s and early 1960s.  

With sadness: A tweet from the 007 account confirmed that Tania had passed away

With sadness: A tweet from the 007 account confirmed that Tania had passed away

Fan favourite: Messages of condolence confirmed that the Tilly Masterson star is one of the all-time favourite Bond Girls

Fan favourite: Messages of condolence confirmed that the Tilly Masterson star is one of the all-time favourite Bond Girls

And even though her only noteworthy acting credit was 1964's Goldfinger, Tania made quite the impression on Bond fans.

Bond Girl Tilly sets out to avenge her sister's death but ultimately becomes one of Oddjob's unwitting victims. 

After starring in the third Bond film, Tania made the conscious decision to return the 'lucrative' and 'comfortable' world of modelling.

She once said: 'Filming had been an interesting experience but I was always more comfortable in a small studio with just the photographer and his assistant. 

Remembered: The actress was the first cousin of fellow British actress Helen Mirren

Remembered: The actress

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