Margaret Nolan was an English actress, model, and visual artist best known for her work in the 1960s and 1970s.
Recognized for her striking beauty and captivating screen presence, she became a symbol of the era’s glamour.
She gained widespread fame for her roles in Goldfinger (1964) and the Carry On film series, as well as for her iconic association with the James Bond franchise. Beyond her acting career, Nolan explored visual art, using her image in powerful ways to challenge perceptions of femininity and sexuality.
Early Life and Background
Margaret Nolan was born on October 29, 1943, in Hampstead, London, England.
Her heritage was both Irish and English, and she grew up in a post-war Britain that was undergoing significant cultural shifts. Before finding success in the entertainment industry, she briefly worked as a glamour model, which helped her transition into film and television.
The Goldfinger Connection and Breakthrough
One of Nolan’s most enduring claims to fame is her association with Goldfinger (1964), one of the most beloved films in the James Bond franchise.
While she had a small role as Dink, a masseuse who appears alongside Sean Connery’s 007, her most iconic contribution to the film was as the gold-painted model featured in the opening credits and promotional material.
Though Shirley Eaton famously played the ill-fated “golden girl” Jill Masterson in the film, it was Margaret Nolan’s body that was actually used in the legendary title sequence, created by artist Robert Brownjohn. This imagery became one of the most famous visuals in cinema history and cemented Nolan’s place in pop culture.
Film and Television Career
Beyond Goldfinger, Margaret Nolan found success in British cinema, particularly in comedy and cult films. She became a recurring performer in the Carry On film series, appearing in titles such as Carry On Cowboy (1965), Carry On Henry (1971), and Carry On Girls (1973).
Her roles in these films showcased her comedic timing, charm, and sex appeal, making her a fan favorite.
She also made appearances in popular TV shows, including The Saint, Steptoe and Son, and Crossroads. Her filmography extended beyond comedies, with roles in No Sex Please, We’re British (1973) and The Breaking of Bumbo (1970), demonstrating her range as an actress.
ater Life and Artistry
Though she stepped away from mainstream entertainment in the late 1980s, Nolan later re-emerged as a visual artist.
She used her own past glamour photographs in her artwork, recontextualizing them to critique the objectification of women in media. Her artistic work reflected her deep understanding of the cultural and social impact of the images she had once been part of.
Later in her life, she made a return to film, appearing in The Power of Three (2011) and Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho (2021), which was released posthumously.
Personal Life and Passing
Margaret Nolan was married to British playwright Tom Kempinski, though the marriage ended in divorce. She had two sons and largely stayed out of the spotlight in her later years, focusing on her artistic endeavors.
She passed away on October 5, 2020, at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy as both a glamorous screen siren and a thought-provoking artist.
