Producer David Richardson recalled her as an artist of remarkable talent paired with complete absence of ego. Despite living in Florida, she regularly traveled alone to London for recordings, never expecting special treatment and never arriving without warmth.
Her presence transformed recording sessions. She greeted everyone with genuine affection, often bringing gifts and taking time to engage with cast, crew, and visitors alike. Salem’s curiosity about people was sincere and constant. She spoke with joy about her life in Surfside, describing mornings shaped by ocean waves and sunlight—an environment that brought her peace after decades in the industry. It was evident that she had found contentment far removed from the pressures of fame.
Among science fiction fans, her contributions to Doctor Who were especially treasured. From her appearance in the 1977 serial The Robots of Death to her later returns in expanded media, Salem treated the genre with respect and seriousness.
Continue reading…
