The seasoned star has revealed her unusual secrets for maintaining a youthful appearance. Despite experiencing “shock” and brokenness during her most difficult times, she has continued to keep a positive attitude.
The actress, renowned for her dominance in the horror genre during the 1970s, continues to stand out at 76. After surviving cancer and the loss of her husband of 30 years, her transformation is notable. See her journey in photos.
The movie star, celebrated for her illustrious career, began her story far from the spotlight. Growing up in Richmond and later in the idyllic village of Rottingdean, she faced challenges during her school years.
The actress pictured in the tropical rock gardens on April 13, 1966, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Dyslexia, undiagnosed at the time, led to her being unfairly labeled “slow.” She once recalled, “I remember that word, it’s stuck with me…I don’t think I’m slow.” Leaving school with two O-Levels in French and Art, she attended Brighton College of Art, where an older student’s portrait of her won a major newspaper contest.
The actress poses during a portrait session on April 13, 1966, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Crowned the “Face of 1966,” the English actress enrolled in the Lucie Clayton modeling school, where she refined her skills and prepared for the opportunities ahead. Early milestones included a shoot for American Vogue and her first film role in “A Talent for Loving” (1969) alongside Richard Widmark.
The actress poses during a portrait session on April 13, 1966, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The star’s big break came with the Lamb’s Navy Rum campaign, which featured her in a wetsuit exuding strength and confidence. “I looked very tough,” she reflected, calling the image empowering.
The actress in a promotional still for “Casino Royale” on January 1, 1967 | Source: Getty Images
The ad caught the attention of James Carreras of Hammer Films and 007 producer Cubby Broccoli, paving the way for roles that solidified her place in cinema history.
The actress photographed on June 9, 1969, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
She rose to prominence as Laura Bellows in “Dracula A.D. 1972,” a role that marked a turning point in her career. “That was when I realized I wanted to be an actor. It made me get serious and study for it,” the actress divulged.
This pivotal moment was followed by standout performances in “The Golden Voyage of Sinbad” (1973) and “Captain Kronos – Vampire Hunter” (1974), where she portrayed Carla, a barefoot Gypsy girl rescued from vampires by the titular hero.
The actress on the set of “The Golden Voyage of Sinbad,” 1973 | Source: Getty Images
Known for its memorable lines, the film left a lasting impression. Reflecting on its planned but unrealized sequel, the Hollywood star once noted, “They were planning a sequel, but it never happened.”
The actress in a promotional portrait for “At The Earth’s Core” on January 1, 1976 | Source: Getty Images
Her versatility extended further with roles in “At the Earth’s Core” (1976) and “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977), where she took on the memorable part of Bond villainess Naomi. From there, her career expanded into varied and unexpected roles.
The actress in a publicity portrait for “The Spy Who Love Me,” on January 1, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
In 1978, she starred alongside David Hasselhoff in the sci-fi film “Starcrash.” However, her career might have taken a different trajectory if she had relocated to the United States.
Reflecting on a missed opportunity, she said, “I went there to audition for some daytime soap in the 80s: ‘Young and Restless’ or ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’—I forget which. But my parents were aging by then and I didn’t want to leave them.”
The actress on the set of “Maniac,” 1980 | Source: Getty Images
The United Kingdom native’s commitment to her family also led her to decline the role of Vampirella, a comic book heroine that would have required her to appear nude. The public figure later embraced a new path in the 1980s, becoming the hostess of Ted Rogers’ Yorkshire TV game show “3-2-1.”
The actress at the opening of Collect ’99 on October 16, 1999, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
She later took on a role in “The Haunting of Margam Castle,” a low-budget horror film that added another chapter to her enduring career. Despite her overall success, she remarked, “I never expected to become an actor. I’ve loved every minute of it and I’ve been very lucky.”
The celebrity at the “Monster Mania Con 7” on February 17, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Off-screen, her personal life has been equally eventful. Actress Caroline Munro was first married to musician Judd Hamilton in 1970, a union that ended in 1982. In 1990, she married movie director George Dugdale, and the couple welcomed two daughters, Georgina and Iona Dugdale.
Caroline Munro attends Chiller Theatre Expo Spring on April 23, 2017, in Parsippany, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images
In 2018, the family woman’s life took a challenging turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It was a bit of a shock. Quite surreal, actually,” she recounted in an interview.
Caroline Munro attends the Chiller Theatre Expo Fall on October 27, 2018, in Parsippany, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images
Following a lumpectomy and ongoing chemotherapy tablets, Caroline is now clear of cancer. “Although it was a huge shock, I got the best treatment and I’m still getting it,” she said. Grateful for the support she received during her battle with breast cancer, the mother of two found meaningful ways to give back to the community.
She participated in two fan conventions that raised more than $31,000 for Maggie’s, a cancer charity close to her heart. “It was so important to me to give something back to Maggie’s, as they helped me so much during the worst times and they are still helping me now,” she shared.
Her dedication to giving back demonstrated her strength during challenging times, but personal loss soon tested her further. In early 2020, Caroline lost her husband of 30 years. “I was really broken. It was so difficult for me and so difficult for my girls,” the widowed star expressed.
For the celebrity, her daughters, Georgina and Iona, are her pillars of strength, referring to the trio as the “Three Musketeers.” While work provides moments of distraction, she acknowledged having both good and bad days, emphasizing the importance of staying positive.
Even after navigating significant challenges, Caroline, now 76, remains a celebrated figure admired for her timeless beauty and vibrant spirit. When asked about her secret, she humorously credited “coffee, stress and chocolate. And Nivea. And I do a lot of walking, which does help.”
Her devoted fans continue to express their admiration, often taking to social media to share their thoughts. Comments on her vintage photos include one user declaring, “So hot,” another exclaiming, “WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!,” and someone else remarked, “Stunning beauty!”
Current images receive similar praise, with one fan calling her a “Gorgeous lady” and another echoing, “Beautiful as always.” One admirer reflected, “You are and have always been a beautiful lady,” adding, “have loved you for many years.”
