Betsy Palmer (born Patricia Betsy Hrunek; November 1, 1926 – May 29, 2015) was an American actress known for her many film and Broadway roles, television guest-starring appearances, as a panelist on the game show I've Got a Secret, and later for playing the antagonist and mother of Jason Voorhees, Pamela Voorhees, in the first Friday the 13th film (1980).
Early life[]
Palmer was born Patricia Betsy Hrunek on November 1, 1926,[1] in East Chicago, Indiana, the daughter[2][3] of Marie (née Love), an adoptee, who launched the East Chicago Business College before she married,[4][5][6][7][8] and Vincent Rudolph Hrunek (1894-1969),[9][10] an industrial chemist who immigrated from Czechoslovakia, and became a stay-at-home father.[11][12] She performed in school plays all through childhood, graduated from East Chicago's Roosevelt High School in 1944, then attended East Chicago Business College.[8] After graduation, she worked as a stenographer and secretary for the car foreman on the RIP track of the B&O Railroad. She hated it, she said, because she was shut off from people.[13] Some time after Palmer took an aptitude test at the Chicago YWCA, which indicated a flair for the arts, her father brought a coworker home for dinner, a former New York actor who recommended she study with David Itkin. Working days and commuting to night classes from East Chicago, she graduated from the Goodman School of Drama at the Art Institute of Chicago (now at DePaul University).[14][15][16]
Acting career[]
Palmer began working in summer stock in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, then in winter stock at the Woodstock Opera House in Woodstock, Illinois, with Paul Newman, and then summer stock in Chicago with Imogene Coca. Having saved $400, she told her parents she was changing her name to Betsy Palmer and moving to New York City with Sasha Igler, who had a job in advertising.
Palmer got her first television acting job in 1951 when she joined the cast of the 15-minute weekday television soap opera Miss Susan, which was produced in Philadelphia, and all actors traveled each day from New York City by train.[17][8] She was "discovered" for this role by Norman Lessing while attending a party in the apartment of actor Frank Sutton, who was married to Toby Igler, the sister of Palmer's roommate, Sasha Igler. She had been in Manhattan less than one week.
A life member of the Actors Studio,[18] Palmer's stage work included a tour of South Pacific (as Nellie Forbush) and a summer-stock season in the title role in Maggie, the 1953 musical adaptation of What Every Woman Knows by William Roy and Hugh Thomas.
In 1953, she created the role of Virginia in the original teleplay version of Paddy Chayefsky's Marty. Also in 1953, she appeared in a Studio One television broadcast of Hound-Dog Man with Jackie Cooper and others. She became a familiar face on television as a news reporter on Today in 1958 (the Today Girl), and a long-running regular panelist on the quiz show I've Got a Secret. She joined the show's original run, replacing Faye Emerson in 1958 and remaining until the show's finale in 1967. She did not reprise her role in any of the various revivals of the show. Palmer was the last surviving member of the I've Got a Secret first version's cast.
Palmer appeared as Kitty Carter in The Long Gray Line (1955), starring Tyrone Power and Maureen O'Hara. She also played nurse Lt. Ann Girard (the main female character) in Mister Roberts (1955), starring with Henry Fonda, Jack Lemmon, James Cagney, and William Powell. In the same year, she played Carol Lee Phillips in Queen Bee, which starred Joan Crawford.[17]
Palmer starred alongside Anthony Perkins and Fonda again in the Paramount production of The Tin Star (1957).[19]
In 1958, she played undercover agent Phyllis Carter/Lynn Stuart in the film The True Story of Lynn Stuart, co-starring Jack Lord and featuring Kim Spalding as her husband, Ralph Carter.
Palmer appeared in seven Broadway shows. All the original productions had short runs, but she replaced other actresses in long-run shows, notably Lauren Bacall in Cactus Flower in 1967, and Ellen Burstyn in Same Time Next Year in 1977. In 1976, Palmer was the actress whom Tennessee Williams chose to embody the frustrated lead, Alma Winemiller, in his The Eccentricities of a Nightingale.[20]
Palmer's Mercedes-Benz stopped working on the highway to her home in Connecticut after a performance in New York City. She arrived home at five o'clock in the morning, so she resolved to replace her car, and later, her daughter suggested that the Volkswagen Scirocco was a cute car and it was $10,000. The offer of $1000 a day for 10 days work on location at a Boy Scout camp in New Jersey, to fund the car purchase, was a reason for taking her most famous, recent role, Friday the 13th. She recounted, in an interview, that her initial reaction to the experience was: "What a piece of shit! Nobody is ever going to see this thing."[21] Despite her distaste for the film, she reluctantly consented to a cameo appearance in Friday the 13th Part 2.[22] She ultimately came to accept and celebrate her participation in the franchise, as it made her more famous rather than infamous; she eventually commented "I was dumb, 'Friday the 13th' is an excellent film." Palmer was asked to reprise her role as Mrs. Voorhees in Freddy vs. Jason in 2003 and agreed to return, but she ultimately turned down the role after being offered a surprisingly low salary.[22]
In 1982, Palmer created the role of Suzanne Becker on the CBS daytime soap opera As the World Turns. From 1989 to 1990, the actress appeared on 'Knots Landing as Virginia "Ginny" Bullock, the aunt of Valene Ewing (played by series star Joan Van Ark). Palmer acted in a Mayfield Dinner Theatre production of On Golden Pond in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1997.
In 2002, Palmer provided the voice of the title character, the ghost of a witch, for the horror film Bell Witch: The Movie, released in 2007.
In 2005, at 79 years old, she appeared as Trudie Tredwell in the horror short Penny Dreadful, and in 2007, at 81, as the older version of the title character in Waltzing Anna.
Palmer appeared in the 2006 documentary, Betsy Palmer: Scream Queen Legend, as part of the publicity for the 2007 release of Bell Witch: The Movie.[23][24]
Personal life[]
Palmer dated James Dean;[17] the two met while working on an episode of Studio One television series.
Palmer married Vincent J. Merendino, an obstetrician-gynecologist, in 1954, whom she met in New York on a blind date.[25] They divorced in 1971 after 17 years. She had one daughter, Melissa.
Palmer died of natural causes on May 29, 2015, at a hospice care center in Danbury, Connecticut.[26] She was 88.
Filmography[]
Film[]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Death Tide | Gloria | |
| The Long Gray Line | Kitty Carter | ||
| Mister Roberts | Lt. Ann Girard | ||
| Queen Bee | Carol Lee Phillips | ||
| 1957 | The Tin Star | Nona Mayfield | |
| 1958 | The True Story of Lynn Stuart | Phyllis Carter / Lynn Stuart | |
| The Time of Your Life | Kitty Duval | ||
| 1959 | It Happened to Jane | Herself | Panelist |
| The Ballad of Louie the Louse | Tina Adams | Television film | |
| The Last Angry Man | Anna Thrasher | ||
| 1968 | A Punt, a Pass, and a Prayer | Nancy | Television film |
| 1980 | Friday the 13th | Pamela Voorhees | |
| 1981 | Friday the 13th Part 2 | ||
| Isabel's Choice | Ellie Fineman | Television film | |
| 1988 | Windmills of the Gods | Mrs. Hart Brisbane | |
| Goddess of Love | Hera | ||
| 1992 | Still Not Quite Human | Aunt Mildred | |
| 1994 | Unveiled | Eva | |
| 1999 | The Fear: Resurrection | Grandmother | |
| 2005 | Penny Dreadful | Trudie Tredwell | |
| 2006 | Waltzing Anna | Anna Rhoades | Final film performance |
| Betsy Palmer: Scream Queen Legend | Self | Documentary | |
| 2007 | Bell Witch: The Movie | Bell Witch | Final film release |
Television[]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Miss Susan | Unknown | 5 episodes |
| 1953–1955 | Armstrong Circle Theatre | Unknown | 3 episodes |
| 1953–1956 | The Philco Television Playhouse | Janice Gans / Virginia | 4 episodes |
| 1953–1957 | Studio One | Various roles | 8 episodes |
| 1953 | Omnibus | Ghost | Segment: "The Last Night of Don Juan" |
| Jimmy Hughes, Rookie Cop | Unknown | 1 episode | |
| Danger | Netta | Episode: "Death Is My Neighbor" | |
| The Campbell Playhouse | Unknown | Episode: "Too Little a Kiss" | |
| 1954–1957 | Goodyear Television Playhouse | Paula Ferris | 6 episodes |
| 1954–1960 | The United States Steel Hour | Various roles | 9 episodes |
| 1954 | Inner Sanctum | Karen | Episode: "Dark of the Night" |
| The Web | Unknown | Episode: "The Bait" | |
| Lux Video Theatre | Intermission Guest | 2 episodes | |
| Janet Dean, Registered Nurse | The Jinx Nurse | Episode: "The Jinx Nurse Case" | |
| 1955 | Appointment with Adventure | Gale Brewster | 2 episodes |
| 1956–1957 | Kraft Television Theatre | Unknown | 3 episodes |
| Climax! | Elizabeth / Fran Coates / Connie Rankin Hill | ||
| 1956 | Front Row Center | Emily | Episode: "Strange Suspicion" |
| General Electric Theater | Unknown | Episode: "Summer Promise" | |
| Star Stage | Unknown | Episode: "The Real Thing" | |
| 1957 | The Alcoa Hour | Ann Fenn | Episode: "Protege" |
| 1958 | Playhouse 90 | Emmy Verdon / Kitty Duval | 2 episodes |
| 1959 | NBC Sunday Showcase | Catherine Miller | Episode: "The Practical Dreamer" |
| Our American Heritage | |||
| 1972 | Love, American Style | Barbara Kreitman | Segment: "Love and the Ghost" |
| 1980 | CHiPs | Unknown | 2 episodes |
| Number 96 | Maureen Galloway | Episode: "Roger Moves In" | |
| 1982 | As the World Turns | Suzanne Becker | 1 episode |
| The Love Boat | Millicent Holton | Episode: "Isaac Gets Physical / She Brought Her Mother Along / Cold Feet" | |
| Maggie | Virginia Sullivan | Episode: "Maggie the Poet" | |
| 1983 | T.J. Hooker | Anne Armstrong | Episode: "Vengeance Is Mine" |
| 1985–1989 | Murder, She Wrote | Lila Norris / Valerie | 2 episodes |
| 1987–1988 | Out of This World | Donna's Mom | |
| 1987 | Charles in Charge | Gloria | Episode: "The Egg and Us" |
| Newhart | Gayle Crowley | Episode: "Me and My Gayle" | |
| 1989–1990 | Knots Landing | Virginia Bullock | 29 episodes |
| 1991 | Columbo | Martha Lamarr | Episode: "Death Hits the Jackpot" |
| 1998 | Just Shoot Me! | Rhonda | Episode: "The Walk" |
| 2000 | Hang Time | Sweet Old Lady | Episode: "A Night to Remember" |
| 2001 | FreakyLinks | Betty | Episode: "Subject: Sunrise at Sunset Streams" |
Awards[]
| Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fantasporto Film Festival | Special Career Award | Penny Dreadful | Won |
| Golden Raspberry Award | Worst Supporting Actress | Friday the 13th | Nominated |
| New England Theatre Conference (NETC) 2005 Major Award | Award for Stage Work[27] | Various | Won |
References[]
- ↑ "Betsy Palmer dies at 88; was killer summer-camp cook in 'Friday the 13th'". Los Angeles Times (June 1, 2015). Archived from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved on July 12, 2017.
- ↑ "Betsy Palmer is shown in 1934 at age 7, photographed while visiting East Chicago neighbor and friend Camillia Plaga". TownNews.com. Archived from the original on April 26, 2018. Retrieved on April 26, 2018.
- ↑ Potempa, Philip (May 31, 2015). "Betsy Palmer". Northwest Indiana Times. Archived from the original on April 26, 2018. Retrieved on April 26, 2018.
- ↑ Rogers, John (June 1, 2015). "Actress Betsy Palmer, killer cook in 'Friday the 13th,' dies". Associated Press. Chicago Sun Times. Archived from the original on April 25, 2018. Retrieved on May 6, 2020.
- ↑ Quigg, Doc (April 17, 1960). "Betsy Palmer Proves to Be Type She Looks--Nice Lady". San Bernardino Sun-Telegram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2020. Retrieved on May 6, 2020. "Her mother founded the East Chicago Business College 36 years ago ("even before she met daddy") and she still runs it and teaches."
- ↑ "Calumet Trails". The Hammond Times (January 15, 1957). Archived from the original on April 25, 2018. Retrieved on April 25, 2018. "Mrs. V. R. Hrunek, 4329 Baring Ave., director of the East Chicago Business College and mother of actress Betsy Palmer was appointed to the library board."
- ↑ "Class of 2013". South Shore Legends. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved on April 25, 2018.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Spivak, Diane (December 20, 2013). "Betsy Palmer, Edward A. Rumely Honored as South Shore Legends". Northwest Indiana Life. Archived from the original on April 25, 2018. Retrieved on April 25, 2018.
- ↑ "Rudolf Hrunek Dies". Associated Press. Kansas City Times (January 8, 1969). Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. Retrieved on May 6, 2020. "Rudolf V. Hrunek, 74, a reared chemist and father of Betsy Palmer, a television personality, died at his home Monday after a long illness. A native of Prak, Czechoslovakia, he also is survived by his wife, Mrs. Marie Hrunek, and a son, Jack Hrunek of St. John, Ind."
- ↑ Smith, David (2006). "Hoosiers in Hollywood". Indiana Historical Society. Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. Retrieved on September 19, 2020.
- ↑ Shanley, J.P. (July 8, 1956). "REALISTIC ACTRESS; Betsy Palmer Discusses Her Work on TV". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 23, 2018. Retrieved on December 9, 2007.
- ↑ Potempa, Philip (December 15, 2013). "Wall to Wall Smile: Actress Betsy Palmer inducted this week for South Shore Wall of Legends". Northwest Indiana Times. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved on June 1, 2015.
- ↑ Rhode, Jason (June 18, 2015). "Remember Betsy Palmer: A True Renaissance Woman". Cryptic Rock. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved on April 26, 2018.
- ↑ "History". The Theatre School at DePaul University. Archived from the original on May 23, 2020. Retrieved on May 6, 2020.
- ↑ Friday the 13th Reunion Panel, from the Friday the 13th Deluxe Edition DVD (Paramount Home Video)
- ↑ "Alumni". Roosevelt High School, East Chicago, Indiana. Archived from the original on April 23, 2018. Retrieved on April 25, 2018.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Nesteroff, Kliph (August 10, 2011). "An Interview with Betsy Palmer". Classic Television Showbiz. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012. Retrieved on April 26, 2018.
- ↑ Garfield, David (1980). "A Player's Place: The Story of The Actors Studio". MacMillan Publishing.
- ↑ "Actress Betsy Palmer the Czech 'All American Girl' Who Charmed Audiences for 5 Decades". TresBohemes.com (February 25, 2017). Archived from the original on April 26, 2018. Retrieved on April 26, 2018.
- ↑ "Betsy Palmer". IBDB. Archived from the original on April 11, 2016. Retrieved on May 3, 2016.
- ↑ Orange, Alan. "EXCLUSIVE: Betsy Palmer Is Friday the 13th's Mrs. Pamela Voorhees!". MovieWeb. Archived from the original on September 18, 2012. Retrieved on January 13, 2012.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Mike C. (May 2004). "Betsy Palmer interview". Icons of Fright. Archived from the original on February 25, 2020. Retrieved on April 25, 2018.
- ↑ "Bell Witch". Big River Pictures. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved on October 9, 2019.
- ↑ "Bell Witch: The Movie Debuts in United Kingdom" (July 7, 2009). Archived from the original on January 27, 2009. Retrieved on October 9, 2019.
- ↑ Schuer, Steven (November 1, 1959). "Betsy Palmer Galled 'Too Happy'". Tralfaz. Niagara Falls Gazette. Archived from the original on April 26, 2018. Retrieved on May 6, 2020.
- ↑ Weber, Bruce (June 1, 2015). "Betsy Palmer, 88, Dies; From TV Panelist to 'Friday the 13th' Villainess". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 21, 2017. Retrieved on May 15, 2017.
- ↑ "Major Award – Past Recipients". NETC. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved on May 6, 2020.
External links[]
- Betsy Palmer at Wikipedia
- Betsy Palmer at the Internet Movie Database
- Betsy Palmer at the Internet Broadway Database
- Nesteroff, Kliph (August 10, 2011). "An Interview with Betsy Palmer". Classic Showbiz. Retrieved on 26 April 2018.
- Rhode, Jason (June 18, 2015). "Remember Betsy Palmer: A True Renaissance Woman". Cryptic Rock. Retrieved on April 26, 2018.
- Skip E. Lowe (1988) Interview: Betsy Palmer and singer Jill Corey
- Betsy Palmer at Find a Grave
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