A woman who escaped communist Czechoslovakia for the UK in the 1960s recounted her journey to achieving Hollywood fame through a role in a James Bond film.
Anika Pavel departed for Suffolk at the age of 18 to work as an au pair in Ipswich, ultimately becoming a refugee following the Soviet Union’s invasion of her homeland in 1968.
In an interview with BBC Radio Suffolk, she expressed, “I have such a soft spot for Ipswich.” The scene was idyllic, a realm of liberation where one could enjoy fresh fish while immersing themselves in beloved melodies.
Ms. Pavel subsequently relocated to London and the United States, where she began her career as a model before transitioning to acting in commercials. This path ultimately led her to film, culminating in her notable role as a “Bond girl” in The Spy Who Loved Me alongside Roger Moore in 1977.
She detailed how writing her book Encounter with the Future prompted her to revisit past experiences, notably her isolation in the UK and eventual departure from Suffolk.
“In truth, the decision was not mine to make.” The woman I was employed by was sentenced to prison, leaving me with no choice but to travel to London alone and navigate life independently. I found myself spending the night at Victoria railway station.
She recounted that the following day, she arrived at the Young Women’s Christian Association hostel: “I marched in and then entered the competition to be a model, and the rest, as they say, is history.”Facing challenging circumstances can be an isolating experience. In such moments, one often finds themselves simply moving forward, placing one foot in front of the other, and doing what needs to be done.
In addition to her notable appearance alongside Roger Moore, Ms. Pavel has made a mark with her performances in the 1979 film The Golden Lady and the 1974 classic Confessions of a Window Cleaner.
A mother of three, she resides in America with her son and identifies as a proud grandmother.
