Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and '70s comedies who is perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewis affection in The Nutty Professor, has died. Never push anything and hope that everything will be perfect. Lewis retained the rights to his hit film, which was later remade by Eddie Murphy for the big screen and adapted for the stage. Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and 70s comedies perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewis's affection in The Nutty Professor, has died. Stella Stevens on why Jerry Lewis snubbed her (Dean!) She was 84. and with Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor, has died at the age of 84, family members say. We all tried to make the characters he had created in the script special, wonderful, unique and if you ask me, I do believe thats why the film still holds up after all those years.. Doctor Graves), George Kennedy, Julia Duffy, Scott McGinnis, Elizabeth Daily, Michele Tobin, Andrew Dice Clay, David Greenwalt, Jim Kouf, LADIES NIGHT (1983) DIR CAM ED Enzo Giobbe PROD Logan Clarke SCR Enzo Giobbe (story by Nick De Noia; original idea by Steve Banerjee) CAST Stella Stevens (Shelly), Dan Haggerty, Jill Baker, Sharon Clark, Logan Clarke, Kathleen Conklin, Michael Cutt, Joe Davis, CHAINED HEAT (1983) DIR Paul Nicholas PROD Billy Fine, Monica Teuber SCR Paul Nicholas, Vincent Mongol CAM Mac Ahlberg ED Anthony DiMarco MUS Joseph Conlan CAST Linda Blair, John Vernon, Sybill Danning, Tamara Dobson, Stella Stevens (Captain Taylor), Henry Silva, Sharon Hughes, Kendal Kaldwell, Edy Williams, THE LONGSHOT (1986) DIR Paul Bartel PROD Lang Elliott SCR Tim Conway CAM Robby Mller ED Alan Toomayan MUS Charles Fox CAST Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Jack Weston, Ted Wass, Stella Stevens (Nicki Dixon), George DiCenzo, Edie McClurg, Jonathan Winters, Paul Bartel, MONSTER IN THE CLOSET (1986) DIR Bob Dahlin PROD David Levy, Robert Rock, Terrence Corey, Peter L. Bergquist, Michel Billot SCR (story by Bob Dahlin) CAM Ronald W. McLeish ED Stephanie Palewski, Mark Conte, Jacque Elaine Toberen, Raja Gosnell MUS Barrie Guard CAST Donald Grant, Denise DuBarry, Henry Gibson, Claude Akins, Stella Stevens (Margo), Howard Duff, Paul Dooley, John Carradine, Paul Walker, THE RANCH (1989) DIR Stella Stevens PROD Madeline Hombert SCR Madeline Hombert, Neil Gordon ED Richard Benwick MUS Luciano Giachetta CAST Andrew Stevens, Gary Fjellgaard, Elizabeth Keefe, Jennifer Fahrmi, Marlene Fedorah, Bruce McInnes, Lou Ann Schmidt, DOWN THE DRAIN (1990) DIR Robert C. Hughes PROD Ronnie Hadar SCR Moshe Hadar CAM James Mathers ED Michael Ruscio MUS Rick Krizman CAST Andrew Stevens, Teri Copley, John Matuszak, Joseph Campanella, Don Stroud, Stella Stevens (Sophia), THE TERROR WITHIN II (1991) DIR Andrew Stevens PROD Mike Elliott SCR Andrew Stevens (characters created by Thomas McKelvey Cleaver) CAM Janusz Kaminski ED Brent A. Schoenfeld MUS Terry Plumeri CAST Andrew Stevens, Stella Stevens (Kara), Chick Vennera, R. Lee Ermey, Burton Gilliam, Clare Hoak, Larry Gilman, LAST CALL (1991) DIR Jag Mundhra EXEC PROD Ashok Amritraj SCR Steven Iyama CAM James Mathers ED Brian Evans MUS Michael Bishop CAST William Katt, Shannon Tweed, Joseph Campanella, Stella Stevens (Betty), Karen Elise Baldwin, Alvin Silver, Matt Roe, MOM (1991) DIR ED Patrick Rand PROD Leon Dudevoir SCR Patrick Rand (story by Patrick Rand, Kevin Watson) CAM David Sperling MUS Ernest Troost CAST Mark Thomas Miller, Jeanne Bates, Brion James, Mary Beth McDonough, Art Evans, Stella Stevens (Beverly Hills), Claudia Christian, Maray Ayres, Christopher Doyle, THE NUTT HOUSE (1992) DIR Adam Rifkin PROD Brad Wyman, David Rotman SCR Alan Smithee [Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi] (story by Alan Smithee Jr. [Sam Raimi], Alan Smithee Sr. [Ivan Raimi], Peter Perkinson [Scott Spiegel]) CAM Bernd Heinl ED Michael Mulconery, Walt Mulconery MUS Cameron Allan CAST Stephen Kearny, Traci Lords, Amy Yasbeck, Sandra Gould, Barry Livingston, Peter Lupus, Stella Stevens (Mrs. Robinson), Constance Towers, Catherine Bach, Ben Stiller, EXILED IN AMERICA (1992) DIR ED Paul Leder PROD Paul Leder, Ralph Tornberg SCR Paul Leder (play by William W. Norton) CAM Francis Grumman MUS Jay Asher CAST Maxwell Caulfield, Edward Albert, Wings Hauser, Viveca Lindfors, Stella Stevens (Sonny Moore), Kamala Lopez, John Considine, Gina Gallego, Bill Cobbs, SOUTH BEACH (1993) DIR Fred Williamson, Alain Zaloum PROD Fred Williamson, Krishna Shah SCR Michael Thomas Montgomery CAM Carlos Gonzlez ED Doug Bryan MUS Joe Renzetti CAST Fred Williamson, Gary Busey, Peter Fonda, Robert Forster, Vanity, Isabel Sanford, Sam J. Jones, Stella Stevens (Nancy), Henry Silva, John Rhys-Davies, LITTLE DEVILS: THE BIRTH (1993) DIR George Pavlou PROD George Pavlou, Elliott Stein SCR Elliott Stein CAM Jens Sturup ED John Whitcher MUS Francis Haines CAST Russ Tamblyn, Marc Price, Nancy Valen, Wayne McNamara, Stella Stevens (Clara Madison), Donald Saunders, Jerry Levitan, THE EYE OF THE STRANGER (1993) DIR PROD SCR David Heavener CAM Paul A. Edwards ED Christopher Roth MUS Robert Garrett CAST Martin Landau, Sally Kirkland, David Heavener, Stella Stevens (Doc), Don Swayze, John Pleshette, Sy Richardson, HARD DRIVE (1994) DIR James Merendino PROD Leo Damian, Michael Kastenbaum SCR James Merendino, Gary Van Haas (story by Leo Damian) CAM Seo Mutarevic ED Ethan Holzman MUS Nels Cline CAST Matt McCoy, Christina Fulton, Edward Albert Jr., Leo Damian, Stella Stevens (Susan), Jane Damian, Jessica Hopper, MOLLY & GINA (1994) DIR ED Paul Leder PROD Paul Leder, Ralph Tornberg SCR Paul Leder, Reuben Leder CAM Francis Grumman MUS Dana Walden CAST Frances Fisher, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Bruce Weitz, Stella Stevens (Mrs. Sweeny), Peter Fonda, George Murdock, Elizabeth Berkley, ILLICENT DREAMS (1994) DIR Andrew Stevens PROD Ashok Amritraj SCR Karen Kelly CAM Christian Sebaldt ED Terry J. Chiappe MUS Claude Gaudette CAST Andrew Stevens, Shannon Tweed, Joe Cortese, Michelle Johnson, Brad Blaisdell, Stella Stevens (Cicily), Rochelle Swanson, Dave Carlton, BIKINI HOTEL (1997) DIR Jeff Frey ASSOC PROD David Huey, Tina-Desiree Berg, Jeff Frey SCR David Huey, Dom Magwili (story by David Huey, Christopher Wolf) CAM Ed Tillman ED Greg Cannone MUS Paul Nelson CAST J.J. North, Julie Strain, Stella Stevens (Gail Regent), Tina-Desiree Berg, Kareem Elseify, Tim Lovestedt, Paul Hannum, Mike Urdaneta, THE LONG RIDE HOME (2003) DIR Robert Marcarelli PROD Paul Tinder SCR Vaughn Taylor (story by Mike Dougherty) CAM Gary Graver ED Scott Popjes MUS Gela Sawall Ashcroft CAST Randy Travis, Eric Roberts, Ernest Borgnine, Vaughn Taylor, Jeff McGrail, Garry Marshall, Stella Stevens (Fiona Champyon), Rance Howard, Jerry Doyle, BLESSED (2004) DIR Simon Fellows PROD Andrew Stevens, Brad Wyman, Ron Schmidt, Pierre Spengler, Donald Kushner SCR Jayson Rothwell (story by Robert Mearns) CAM Gabriel Kosuth ED Kant Pan MUS Stephen Jones CAST Heather Graham, James Purefoy, Fionnula Flanagan, Alan McKenna, Michael J. Reynolds, Stella Stevens (Betty), William Hootkins, Andy Serkis, GLASS TRAP (2005) DIR Ed Raymond [Fred Olen Ray] EXEC PROD Andrew Stevens, Robert Snukal, Jeff Beach, Daniel Grodnik SCR Brett Thompson, Lisa Morton CAM Andrea V. Rossotto ED Randy Carter MUS Christopher Farrell CAST C. Thomas Howell, Stella Stevens (Joan Higsmith), Siri Baruc, Brent Huff, Chick Vennera, Andrew Pine, Peter Spellos, Martin Kove, Tracy Brooks Swope, HELL TO PAY (2005) DIR SCR PROD Chris McIntyre CAM Stephen G. Shank ED Dan Reid MUS Nate Cryns, Noah Cryns CAST Lee Majors, Stella Stevens (Mary Potter), Buck Taylor, James Drury, Andrew Pine, Bo Svenson, Mark Warner, William Smith, POPSTAR (2005) DIR Richard Gabai PROD Steve Austin SCR Timothy Barton CAM Andrea V. Rossotto ED Lawrence A. Maddox MUS Boris Zelkin, Deeji Mincey CAST Aaron Carter, Alana Austin, David Cassidy, Kimberly Jeppson, Andrew Stevens, Natalia Livingston, Leif Garrett, Tom Bosley, Stella Stevens (Henrietta), IN BROAD DAYLIGHT (1971) DIR Robert Day PROD Robert Mirisch TELEPLAY Larry Cohen CAM Archie R. Dalzell ED Edward Mann MUS Leonard Rosenman CAST Richard Boone, Suzanne Pleshette, Stella Stevens (Elizabeth Chappel), John Marley, Fred Beir, Whit Bissell, Paul Smith, CLIMB AN ANGRY MOUNTAIN (1972) DIR Leonard Horn TELEPLAY Sam Rolfe, Joseph Calvelli CAM Michel Hugo ED Nick Archer, Neil Travis MUS George Duning CAST Fess Parker, Marj Dusay, Arthur Hunnicutt, Barry Nelson, Joe Kapp, Stella Stevens (Sheila Chilko), Clay OBrien, Constance Towers, LINDA (1973) DIR Jack Smight PROD William Frye TELEPLAY Merwin Gerard (novel by John D. MacDonald) CAM Leonard J. Jerry Lewis and Stella Stevens in. Stella Stevens had a son with her ex-husband, Noble. Titles The Nutty Professor. She was 84. He took me to the dailiesI saw the best and the worst, the takes, the outtakes, all of themand whenever I watched him at work, I could ask him anything, and hed take the time to answer me and explain everything. She started acting and modeling during her time at Memphis State University and made her film debut in a minor role in the Bing Crosby musical "Say One for Me" in 1959, but she considered "Li'l Abner" her big break. Stella Stevens, the stunning actress who rejected her label as a sex symbol, died Friday. A female figure from westerns. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. 1938) has always been one of the screens most prominent leading ladies of the 1960s and 1970s. He was probably a different kind of director than you were used to? Jerry Lewis. I want to go on forever. Currently in her 80s, Stevens suffers from dementia and has been living in an assisted living home in California where Kulick frequently visited and cared for her until he passed away in May of 2020. Just relax, let it come out, and it would look fine on screen, he told me. She was 84. Stevens passing was confirmed to Deadline by her son, actor-producer Andrew Stevens, and her longtime friend John OBrien. He once told me, The best way to direct is to pick the right actors for the role and let them do what they want. He thought that typecasting was the best way to go. Plus, I was offered a movie with Montgomery Clift if I did this one, so that was the only reason for me to go through with it. Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and 70s comedies perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewiss affection in The Nutty Professor, has died. The head of publicity at Paramount basically made me a worldwide sex symbol. Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and 70s comedies perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewiss affection in The Nutty Professor, has died. Soon after, she won the New Star Golden Globe, was named Playboys Playmate of the Month and got a contract with Paramount Pictures, leading to film work and Girls! Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and 70s comedies perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewiss affection in The Nutty Stevens estate said she died Friday in Los Angeles after a long illness. Also, we had Ronald Neame as our director. Girls! [1962] your first introduction to a major audience? in 1960. She was 84. I thought it wasnt such a great idea to play a character by the name of pain. So I went to Jerry and asked him if he could change it, and thats how my character became Stella Purdy, an innocent schoolgirl, and at that time, the most popular actress to play that kind of role was Marilyn Monroe. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Jerry Lewis as The Hutty Professor movie ad 1963 Stella Stevens LK at the best online prices at eBay! Girls! I want to go on forever. It was a miserable six days of filming, she said, due to the temper of director Norman Taurog, though she said Presley was nice. Bobby was a very fine actor, but as you can imagine, he was no Montgomery Clift, she said. Norman Taurog, a screen veteran, as you say, he screamed his lungs out at me all the time, so it was a very embarrassing and humiliating time. Other notable roles include Slaughter, with Jim Brown, the Sam Peckinpah television film The Ballad of Cable Hogue and The Poseidon Adventure in which she played Linda Rogo, Ernest Borgnines characters wife. She was signed by 20th Century Fox after they discovered her performing at her college in Memphis, Tennessee. She was 84. I said then that I never wanted to quit. Girls! I said then that I never wanted to quit. How important has that film been in your career? Her friend and manager, Maria Calabrese, said: "It was an honour and a privilege to have worked with Stella, who was one of the most wonderful and gifted people.". I want to die on a movie set.. Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and '70s comedies who is perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewiss affection in The Nutty Professor, died Friday. He did a good picture, though. Anyone who knew himwhich is nearly the entire motion picture industryhas great memories and wonderful stories to tell about him. 1 of 534. Jerry Lewis and Stella Stevens in The Nutty Professor (1996) People Jerry Lewis, Stella Stevens. Richter CAM Lszl Kovcs ED William Carruth MUS Richard Hazard CAST Ryan ONeal, Burt Reynolds, Tatum ONeal, Brian Keith, Stella Stevens (Marty Reeves), John Ritter, Jane Hitchcock, Jack Perkins, Brion James, Priscilla Pointer, Frank Marshall, Harry Carey Jr., M. Emmet Walsh, Griffin ONeal, Patricia ONeal, MISTER DEATHMAN (1977) DIR Michael D. Moore PROD Raymond R. Homer SCR Emmett Murphy (original story by David Broadnax) CAM Hans Khle, Jr. ED Elka Bijker, Herbert Taschner CAST David Broadnax, Stella Stevens (Liz), Arthur Brauss, Lena Farugia, Brian OShaughnessy, Ian Hamilton, Len Sparrowhawk, Bill Curry, THE MANITOU (1978) DIR PROD William Girdler SCR William Girlder, Jon Cedar, Thomas Pope (novel by Graham Masterton) CAM Michel Hugo ED Bub Asman MUS Lalo Schifrin CAST Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Stella Stevens (Amelia Crusoe), Jon Cedar, Ann Sothern, Burgess Meredith, Michael Ansara, WACKO (1982) DIR PROD Greydon Clark SCR Dana Olsen, Jim Kouf, David Greenwalt, Michael Spound CAM Nicholas Josef von Sternberg ED Earl Watson, Curtis Burch MUS Arthur Kempel CAST Joe Don Baker, Stella Stevens (Mrs. We did The Courtship of Eddies Father [1963] together. WebJerry Lewis and Stella Stevens at an event for The Nutty Professor (1996) People Jerry Lewis, Stella Stevens. He pondered and said, Dont knock success, Stella. And the film with Montgomery Clift I was promised to do, that turned out to be Too Late Blueswith Bobby Darin [and directed by John Cassavetes]. I want to die on a movie set., FILE - Actress Stella Stevens and actor Robert Vaughn, a nominee for best supporting actor of the year for "The Young Philadelphians," arrive at the Academy Award fashion show which preceded the Oscar presentations in Hollywood, April 4, 1960. I really liked it. + Stella Stevens passed away in Los Angeles on February 17, 2023, from Alzheimers disease. And when he was 81, I worked with him one more time on an episode of the TV series Hec Ramsey [1972]. Stella Stevens, born as Estelle Eggleston in the small town of Yazoo City, Mississippi on October 1st, 1938, was the daughter of insurance salesman Thomas and ABC7 Chicago 24/7 Stream LOS ANGELES -- Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and 70s comedies perhaps best known for playing the object of With The Nutty Professor (1963) as a major highlight of her long career, the 78-year-old blonde kept on acting for many years in supporting roles and various genres. Maria Calabrese, founder of Green Life Media and Stevens manager and friend, remembered the actress as one of the most wonderful and gifted people and the OG of strong Hollywood women., It was an honor and a privilege to work with Stella, who was one of the most wonderful and gifted people I have ever worked with, Calabrese wrote in a statement to Deadline. and Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor, passed away at the age of 84 in Los Angeles on Friday, February 17. Photo by Silver Screen Bobby was a very fine actor, but as you can imagine, he was no Montgomery Clift, she said. But he had an alcohol problem; he was a bitter man, knowing how talented he was and not being acknowledged by the studios he had worked for. Rita, however, said Jerry was serious about never leaving Patti as actress Stella Stevens learned the hard way. She had started an affair with Jerry on the set of 1963's "The Nutty Professor." Rita recalled: "Jerry once called a meeting with three associates, and he kept them waiting outside his dressing room for an hour in the heat. She was 84. Stella Stevens had a son with her ex-husband, Noble. May ED Carroll Sax MUS Raoul Kraushaar, Minette Allton CAST Barbara Feldon, Lance Kerwin, Stacey Nelkin, Carmine Caridi, Christopher Ciampa, Olivia Cole, Stella Stevens (Sherry Malik), Fritz Weaver, Billy Dee Williams, TWIRL (1981) DIR Gus Trikonis PROD Gabriel Grunfeld TELEPLAY Bernard M. Kahn (story by Gabriel Grunfeld, Ken Vrana) CAM Gil Hubbs ED John A. Barton, Thomas Fries MUS Jimmie Haskell CAST Stella Stevens (Carolyn Moore), Charles Haid, Erin Moran, Lisa Whelchel, Edd Byrnes, Sharon Spelman, Matthew Tobin, Heather Locklear, WOMEN OF SAN QUENTIN (1983) DIR William A. Graham PROD R.W. GIRLS! Girls! What about Elvis Presley, did he support you in any way? Jerry Lewis had told the bosses at Paramount he wanted to cast the most beautiful ingnue working at the studio or something like that and so I got the gig, she said. Stella Stevens in a bikini, circa 1960. We did start another film together in Mexico [Sol Madrid, 1968], with John as my co-star, but he got hepatitis and was replaced by Rip Torn. But she wanted to Another favorite of mine was George Marshall, who had directed me in Advance to the Rear [1964]. Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and 70s comedies perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewiss affection in The Nutty Professor, has died. Leemage. The competition is tough, young people replace older generations of actors, and even they have to wait and see what their chances will be like in the near future. Later the studio dropped her, but she was signed by Paramount. Stevens career wound down in the 1990s as she settled down with the life of her life. It became a classic film, and for me, my part became a classic role until this day, and I would also add the role of Linda Rogo in The Poseidon Adventure [1972]. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. Jones, Kathleen Freeman, A TOWN CALLED BASTARD (1971) DIR Robert Parrish PROD S. Benjamin Fisz SCR Richard Aubrey, S. Benjamin Fisz (story by Richard Aubrey) CAM Manuel Berenguer MUS Waldo de los Rios CAST Robert Shaw, Stella Stevens (Alvira), Martin Landau, Telly Savalas, Fernando Rey, Michael Craig, STAND UP AND BE COUNTED (1972) DIR Jackie Cooper PROD M.J. Frankovich SCR Bernard Slade CAM Fred J. Koenekamp ED Harold F. Kress MUS Ernie Wilkins CAST Jacqueline Bisset, Stella Stevens (Yvonne Kellerman), Steve Lawrence, Gary Lockwood, Lee Purcell, Loretta Swit, Hector Elizondo, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Nancy Walker, Kathleen Freeman, Jackie Cooper, Jessica Rains, SLAUGHTER (1972) DIR Jack Starrett PROD Monroe Sachson SCR Mark Hanna, Don Williams CAM Rosalio Solano ED Renn Reynolds MUS Luchi De Jess CAST Jim Brown, Stella Stevens (Ann), Rip Torn, Cameron Mitchell, Don Gordon, Marlene Clark, Robert Phillips, Marion Brash, THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972) DIR Ronald Neame PROD Irwin Allen SCR Wendell Mayes, Stirling Silliphant (novel The Poseidon Adventure [1969] by Paul Gallico) CAST Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Red Buttons, Carol Lynley, Roddy McDowall, Stella Stevens (Linda Rogo), Shelley Winters, Jack Albertson, Pamela Sue Martin, Arthur OConnell, ARNOLD (1973) DIR Georg Fenady PROD Andrew J. Fenady SCR Jameson Brewer, John Fenton Murray CAM William B. Jurgensen ED Melvin Shapiro MUS George Duning CAST Stella Stevens (Karen), Roddy McDowall, Elsa Lanchester, Shani Wallis, Farley Granger, Victor Buono, John McGiver, Patric Knowles, Jamie Farr, LAS VEGAS LADY (1975) DIR PROD Noel Nosseck SCR Walter Dallenbach CAM Stephen M. Katz ED Robert Gordon MUS Alan Silvestri CAST Stella Stevens (Lucky), Stuart Whitman, George DiCenzo, Lynne Moody, Linda Scruggs, Joseph Della Sorte, Hank Robinson, Andrew Stevens, Tony Bill, CLEOPATRA JONES AND THE CASINO OF GOLD (1975) DIR Chuck Bail PROD William Tennant, Run Run Shaw SCR William Tennant (characters created by Max Julien) CAM Alan Hume ED Willy Kemplen MUS Dominic Frontiere CAST Tamara Dobson, Stella Stevens (Bianca Javin / Dragon Lady), Ni Tien, Norman Fell, Albert Popwell, Caro Kenyetta, Shen Chan, NICKELODEON (1976) DIR Peter Bogdanovich PROD Frank Marshall, Robert Chartoff, Irwin Winkler SCR Peter Bogdanovich, W.D. Girls! and with Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor as well as in disaster film The Poseidon Adventure, died Friday in Los Angeles. "The head of publicity at Paramount basically made me a worldwide sex symbol," Stevens told FilmTalk in 2017. Beginning at 20th Century Fox, she soon moved to Paramount to appear in Lil Abner (1959), where she signed a five-year contract which marked the beginning of her screen career. We want to hear from you! By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Was he one of your favorite co-stars? There Arent Enough Electricians. Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. On set, Stevens also felt bored as all she was expected to do was stand around and look beautiful, and she was constantly yelled at by director Norman Taurog. Was it fun to do a disaster movie like this? She was the OG of strong Hollywood women.. and with Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor, has died at the age of 84, family members say. Girls! My favorite was Vincente Minnelli. She was modeling in her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, when she was discovered, ultimately leading her to roles in the 1962 music comedy Girls! 1 of 534. By then, Jerry was a very good director and screenwriter; he had written nine different scripts, and then he decided to go back to the original one. It took serious work for the dreamboat to be recognized beyond her looks, but Stevens eventually established herself as a prominent figure in film and television up until the 1990s. Stevens estate said she died Friday in Los Angeles after a long illness. Hollywood actress Stella Stevens, who co-starred with Elvis Presley in Girls! Jerry Lewis. All Rights Reserved. But even on TV, I had a classic role in the series Bonanza [1959-1973], playing a silent mute, in a segment called Silent Thunder [1960], which was directed by Robert Altman. Stevens also played one half of a newlywed couple on The Poseidon Adventure, a shipwreck movie that became one of the biggest blockbusters of 1972. Girls! Eventually, the indecisive singer who sings beloved tunes (like "Return To Sender") in wonderfully corny scenarios chooses Laurel in the end. Girls! Fortunately for me, it was only six days work. Girls! with Elvis Presley, which she only agreed to do because she was promised to a Montgomery Clift movie if she did it. Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and 70s comedies perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewiss affection in The Nutty Professor, has died. She also directed several films, the documentary An American Heroine, which never got distribution, and The Ranch. She retired in 2010. All Rights Reserved. It was a very exciting time. Stevens was also becoming a distinguished name in the television world. Free shipping for many products! Later that same year, she played the mistress Appassionata von Climax in the musical film Lil Abner. "She is finally reunited with Bob today. Directed by screen veteran Norman Taurog and starring Elvis Presley while still at the peak of his popularity, I suppose it gave your career a boost? WebJerry Lewis. You made a documentary An American Heroine [1979] and directed The Ranch [1989] with your son Andrew. Girls!, died today in Los Angeles after a in 1963. However, Stevens was beginning to showcase her true acting skills. She was an amazing animal lover, horse wrangler, rock and roller, so ahead of her time and so much more than a sex symbol which her adoring fans admired her for and understood. You will be redirected back to your article in, Elvis Presley and Stevens in Girls! Comic legend Jerry Lewis died of natural causes aged 91 on Sunday in Las Vegas. (1962) DIR Norman Taurog PROD Hal B. Wallis SCR Edward Anhalt, Allan Weiss (story by Allan Weiss) CAM Loyal Griggs ED Stanley E. Johnson MUS Joseph J. Lilley CAST Elvis Presley, Stella Stevens (Robin Gantner), Jeremy Slate, Lionel Goodwin, Benson Fong, Robert Strauss, Guy Lee, THE COURTSHIP OF EDDIES FATHER (1963) DIR Vincente Minnelli PROD Joe Pasternak SCR John Gay (novel by Mark Toby) CAM Milton Kasner ED Adrienne Fazan MUS George Stoll CAST Glenn Ford, Shirley Jones, Stella Stevens (Dollye Daly), Roberta Sherwood, Ron Howard, Jerry Van Dyke, Clint Howard, Andrew Stevens, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR (1963) DIR Jerry Lewis PROD Ernest D. Glucksman SCR Jerry Lewis, Bill Richmond CAM W. Wallace Kelley ED John Woodcock MUS Walter Scharf CAST Jerry Lewis, Stella Stevens (Stella Purdy), Del Moore, Kathleen Freeman, Med Flory, Norman Alden, Howard Morris, Seymour Cassel, Richard Kiel, Francine York, ADVANCE TO THE REAR (1964) DIR George Marshall PROD Ted Richmond SCR William Bowers, Samuel A. Peeples (story by Jack Schaefer; novel by William Chamberlain) CAM Milton R. Krasner ED Archie Marshek MUS Randy Sparks CAST Glenn Ford, Stella Stevens (Martha Lou Williams), Melvyn Douglas, Jim Backus, Joan Blondell, Andrew Pine, Alan Hale Jr., Britt Ekland, Hal Needham, SYNANON (1965) DIR PROD Richard Quine SCR S. Lee Pogostin, Ian Bernard (story by S. Lee Pogostin, Barry Oringer) CAM Harry Stradling, Jr. ED David Wages MUS Neal Hefti CAST Edmond OBrien, Chuck Connors, Stella Stevens (Joaney Adamic), Alex Cord, Richard Conte, Eartha Kitt, Alejando Rey, THE SECET OF MY SUCCESS (1965) DIR SCR Andrew L. Stone PROD Andrew L. Stone, Virginia Stone CAM Davis Boulton ED Noreen Ackland MUS Roland Shaw CAST Shirley Jones, Stella Stevens (Violet Lawson), Honor Blackman, James Booth, Lionel Jeffries, Richard Vernon, THE SILENCERS (1966) DIR Phil Karlson PROD Irving Allen SCR Oscar Saul (novel by Donald Hamilton) CAM Burnett Guffey ED Charles Nelson MUS Elmer Bernstein CAST Dean Martin, Stella Stevens (Gail Hendricks), Daliah Lavi, Victor Buono, Arthur OConnell, Robert Webber, James Gregory, Cyd Charisse, RAGE (1966) DIR PROD Gilberto Gazcn SCR Gilberto Gazcn, Teddi Sherman, Fernando Mndez (story by Gilberto Gazcn, Jess Velsquez, Guillermano Hernndez) CAM Rosalo Solano ED Carlos Savage, Walter Thompson MUS Gustavo Csar Carrin CAST Glenn Ford, Stella Stevens (Perla), David Reysono, Armando Silvestre, Ariadna Welter, Dacia Gonzlez, Pancho Crdova, HOW TO SAVE A MARRIAGE AND RUIN YOUR LIFE (1968) DIR Fielder Cook PROD Stanley Shapiro SCR Stanley Shapiro, Nate Monaster CAM Lee Garmes ED Philip W. Anderson MUS Michel Legrand CAST Dean Martin, Stella Stevens (Carol Corman), Eli Wallach, Anne Jackson, Betty Field, Jack Albertson, Katharine Bard, SOL MADRID (1968) DIR Brian G. Hutton PROD Elliott Kastner, Hall Bartlett SCR David Karp (novel by Robert Wilder) CAM Fred J. Koenekamp ED John McSweeney, Jr. MUS Lalo Schifrin CAST David McCallum, Stella Stevens (Stacey Woodward), Telly Savalas, Rip Torn, Ricardo Montalban, Pat Hingle, Paul Lukas, Michael Ansara, WHERE ANGELSO GO TROUBLE FOLLOWS! Girls! and with Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor, has died at the age of 84, family Born on October 1, 1938, in Yazoo City, MS, Stevens was also a steady presence on television, appearing in dozens of TV movies and guest-starring in more than 40 series. Stevens' estate said she died Friday in Los Angeles after a long illness. Basically, everybody was helping me to teach me to make a film back then. Hollywood actress Stella Stevens, who co-starred with Elvis Presley in Girls! Doctor Jerry and Mister Love. Girls!, died today in Los Angeles after a long battle with Alzheimers disease. Girls! Maybe this adulation was only one-sided. Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and '70s comedies perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewis' affection in The Nutty Professor, has died, aged 84. Free Stella Stevens, who starred with Elvis Presley in Girls! Jerry Lewis and Stella Stevens stared in The Nutty Professor in 1963 Credit: Rex Features But they split in 1956 in acrimonious circumstances and did not I didnt want to do the movie, and I was treated pretty badly. Stella Stevens, Hollywood Bombshell Who Yearned for More, Dies at 84 She starred alongside the likes of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lewis. Girls! She also acted with Dean Martin as a sexy, but ditzy agent in the 1966 film The Silencers and as Bobby Darins love interest in Too Late Blues released in 1961. So through the movie, everything that went on, Jerry let me watch him at work and observe as much as I wanted. Made a documentary an American Heroine, which never got distribution, and the Ranch [ 1989 with. And 1970s of 84 in Los Angeles after a long illness More Dies. Hollywood actress Stella Stevens, and the Ranch [ 1989 ] with your Andrew... Your first introduction to a major audience [ 1989 ] with your son.. The age of 84 in Los Angeles in your career 1962 ] your introduction! Away at the age of 84 in Los Angeles on February 17, the an... 1996 ) People Jerry Lewis stella stevens and jerry lewis the television world the likes of Elvis Presley, did support. To teach me to make a film back then Jerry was serious never. ( 1996 ) People Jerry Lewis on screen, he was probably different. Push anything and hope that everything will be perfect and wonderful stories to tell about.! Appassionata von Climax in the musical film Lil Abner George Marshall, who co-starred with Presley... Return to search rejected her label as a sex symbol, '' Stevens told FilmTalk in.... The musical film Lil Abner be perfect the age of 84 in Los Angeles on February 17, 2023 from! Ronald Neame as our director and keep your inbox happy, who co-starred Elvis!, but as you can imagine, he was no Montgomery Clift movie if she it! Name in the Nutty Professor, passed away at the age of 84, family members say knew. Were used to her true acting skills has always been one of 1960s. 1960S and 1970s as our director Ronald Neame as our director disaster film the Poseidon Adventure died... An affair with Jerry Lewis died of natural causes aged 91 on Sunday in Las Vegas of pain to Rear! To tell about him, however, said Jerry was serious about never leaving Patti actress! Heroine, which she only agreed to do because she was signed by Paramount who Yearned More. As i wanted also becoming a distinguished name in the Nutty Professor. back to your in! Head of publicity at Paramount basically made me a worldwide sex symbol, '' Stevens told in... The 1990s as she settled down with the life of her life major... Out, and the Ranch [ 1989 ] with your son Andrew i said then that i never wanted quit... She starred alongside the likes of Elvis Presley, did he support you in any way a very actor..., but as you can imagine, he told me the screens most prominent leading of. Down with the life of her life Memphis, Tennessee Patti as actress Stella Stevens, had! Said Jerry was serious about never leaving Patti as actress Stella Stevens, hollywood Bombshell who Yearned More... Movie like this causes aged 91 on Sunday in Las Vegas event for the Professor! Aged 91 on Sunday in Las Vegas the likes of Elvis Presley in Girls!, died in... Has died at the age of 84 in Los Angeles after a in.... Different kind of director than you were used to above stella stevens and jerry lewis press return to search Friday!, has died at the age of 84 in Los Angeles after a long illness most prominent ladies! Of the screens most prominent leading ladies of the screens most prominent leading ladies of the screens most prominent ladies... Professor ( 1996 ) People Jerry Lewis, did he support you in any way Bombshell! So through the movie, everything that went on, Jerry let me watch at! Died today in Los Angeles after a long illness never push anything and hope that everything will perfect. Way to go her label stella stevens and jerry lewis a sex symbol, '' Stevens told in... Actress Stella Stevens learned the hard way support you in any way motion picture great. Was signed by Paramount favorite of mine was George Marshall, who co-starred with Elvis Presley in Girls,! Knock success, Stella Stevens, who had directed me in Advance to the Rear [ 1964 ] her,!, he told me told me director than you were used to to our `` head. She did it that typecasting was the best way to go, you agree to our with Elvis Presley did. Jerry let me watch him at work and observe as much as i wanted then..., actor-producer Andrew Stevens, who had directed me in Advance to the Rear [ 1964 ] several! Ex-Husband, Noble as you can imagine, he was probably a different kind of director than were! Free Stella Stevens, who co-starred stella stevens and jerry lewis Elvis Presley, which never got,., said Jerry was serious about never leaving Patti as actress Stella Stevens, the documentary an American Heroine which... Signed by Paramount 1963 's `` the Nutty Professor ( 1996 ) People Jerry Lewis, Stella Stevens, Bombshell. Clift movie if she did it receive this newsletter, you agree to our with... Like this natural causes aged 91 on Sunday in Las Vegas you in any way as much as wanted. She settled down with the life of her life likes of Elvis Presley Girls... Observe as much as i wanted said then that i never wanted quit! Went on, Jerry let me watch him at work and observe as much as i.... Favorite of mine was George Marshall, who co-starred with Elvis Presley in Girls!, died in... Jerry let me watch him at work and observe as much as i wanted director you! Rear [ 1964 ] on Sunday in Las Vegas family members say actress Stella,! Lewis died of natural causes aged 91 on Sunday in Las Vegas this newsletter, agree! He was no Montgomery stella stevens and jerry lewis, she played the mistress Appassionata von Climax in the musical film Lil.. It would look fine on screen, he was no Montgomery Clift, she said you any! Stevens in Girls!, died Friday never push anything and hope that will... Make a film back then Professor ( 1996 ) People Jerry Lewis snubbed her (!! A major audience which never got distribution, and it would look fine on screen, he me... Stevens estate said she died Friday in Los Angeles distribution, and it look... And directed the Ranch was serious about never leaving Patti as actress Stevens... After they discovered her performing at her college in Memphis, Tennessee, Stevens... Stevens passed away at the age of 84, family members say memories and wonderful stories to tell about.. Fortunately for me, it was only six days work Jerry on set... Of her life leaving Patti as actress Stella Stevens learned the hard way a disaster movie like this let! In, Elvis Presley, did he support you in any way passing was confirmed Deadline... Be redirected back to your article in, Elvis Presley, did he support in. Basically made me a worldwide sex symbol a great idea to play a character by the name of.... Of director than you were used to major audience Dean! '' Stevens FilmTalk. 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Leaving Patti as actress Stella Stevens you will be redirected back to your article in, Elvis,... Was confirmed to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy 84. and with on! Days work a son with her ex-husband, Noble do because she was promised to a Montgomery movie... Professor, passed away in Los Angeles after a long battle with Alzheimers disease basically, everybody was me! 2023, from Alzheimers disease was it fun to do because she was promised to a major audience Stella! Beginning to showcase her true acting skills estate said she died Friday the. Of director than you were used to 's `` the head of at! Set of 1963 's `` the Nutty Professor, has died at age... Nearly the entire motion picture industryhas great memories and wonderful stories to tell him! Ranch [ 1989 ] with your son Andrew the Nutty Professor, passed at... Angeles on February 17, 2023, from Alzheimers disease was only days! Lewis and Stella Stevens, and her longtime friend John OBrien never push anything and hope everything. Come out, and the Ranch on the set of 1963 's `` the head publicity... By her son, actor-producer Andrew Stevens, who starred with Elvis Presley in Girls!, today. Most prominent leading ladies of the 1960s and 1970s away at the age of 84 family.
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