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Punk legend Jordan dies aged 66

Sam Moore
·3-min read
English model and actress Pamela Rooke, also known as Jordan, smoking a cigarette, UK, 28th February 1978. (Photo by Chris Moorhouse/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pamela Rooke, also known as Jordan, smoking a cigarette in the 1970s. (Getty Images)

Punk legend Jordan has died aged 66.

Born Pamela Rooke, Jordan became an integral part of the punk scene during the 1970s, working with Vivienne Westwood and performing with the Sex Pistols.

Her partner Nick confirmed her death with the Brighton and Hove News: “She died peacefully a stone’s throw away from the sea in her home town of Seaford, East Sussex in the company of her loving family at 9pm last night (Sunday 3 April) … after a short period of illness, she succumbed to a relatively rare form of cancer known as cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).

EDITORIAL USE ONLY Jordan Mooney of The Slits stands outside the building that housed the iconic punk nightclub The Roxy, in Seven Dials in London's Covent Garden, as she helps to unveil a plaque commemorating the club on behalf of Seven Dials Trust.
Jordan Mooney of The Slits stands outside the building that housed the iconic punk nightclub The Roxy. (PA)

"Jordan was a wonderful woman and will be remembered for countless decades to come.”

Jordan was known for her imaginative makeup and unique fashion. She would later manage Adam and the Ants and perform with them.

She also managed Wide Boy Awake which featured her ex-husband Kevin Mooney.

British actor, singer and musician David Bowie with model and actress Jordan (Pamela Rooke) at a screening of 'Just A Gigolo' at the Cannes Film Festival, France, 23rd May 1978. The film stars Bowie and was directed by David Hemmings. (Photo by Kypros/Getty Images)
David Bowie with model and actress Jordan (Pamela Rooke) at a screening of 'Just A Gigolo' 1978. (Kypros/Getty Images)

Jordan can be seen during the Sex Pistols's first televised performance of 'Anarchy in the UK' in August 1976.

Read More: 'Pistol': New look at Danny Boyle's Sex Pistols drama as UK air date confirmed

She will be portrayed by Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams in Pistol, Danny Boyle's upcoming series about the Sex Pistols.

Jordan recently discussed what she told Williams about playing her: “What I said to her was, ‘You’re in a position of playing a role that is very strong, a strong woman, and a woman set apart, really.’"

Punk Rockers Adam Ant and Jordan attending the movie premiere of the John Travolta film,
Punk Rockers Adam Ant and Jordan attending the movie premiere of the John Travolta film, "Saturday Night Fever". (PA Images via Getty Images)

She added: "I decided that I wanted to be me, like a walking work of art, if you like, and I was totally and utterly unshakable. So she had to bring that to the role.”

Those who have paid tribute to Jordan include Jonathan Ross who tweeted: “An amazing woman. She changed our world. And she loved cats. So sad she’s gone.”

English model and actress Pamela Rooke, also known as Jordan, smoking a cigarette while attending an exhibition, UK, 23rd June 1978. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Pamela Rooke at an art exhibition. (Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Simon Price also wrote: "Heartbroken to hear that punk icon Jordan has passed away. Just one of the loveliest people you could hope to meet, a brilliant laugh, and far more punk than so many of the charlatans who milked that movement in their rise to fame and fortune. What a horrible shock."

Glen Matlock from the Sex Pistols said: “Will miss you girl.”

Following the end of the punk movement, Jordan moved back to Sussex and worked as a veterinary nurse.

Watch below: Set for Sex Pistols TV series spotted filming along the Southbank in London