While most admired Stevens for her bombshell appearance, the actress/model possessed more capabilities than just looking pretty. We did The Courtship of Eddies Father [1963] together. Were there any directors in particular that you liked? Stevens' second husband and partner of 37 years, rock guitarist Bob Kulick, died in May 2020. It was a miserable six days of filming, she said, due to the temper of director Norman Taurog, though she said Presley was nice. Reportedly, Stevens came to regret her association with Playboy, finding the sexpot label confining. I want to go on forever. She was 84. In 1963, she played one of her most iconic roles as the love interest Stella Purdy in Jerry Lewiss science fiction comedy The Nutty Professor. Girls! Consequently, we all tried to make the characters he had created in the script special, wonderful, unique. Mel Torm, Skip Ward, Michael Dante, Robert Evans, Hugh O'Brian, Buddy Bregman, Warren Beatty and Jerry Lewis: Divorce: Noble Herman Stephens: Net Worth: $10 Million: Salary: $400k: Eye Color: Blue: Hair Color: Blonde: I almost begged him to make a movie where I could work with her, but it didnt happen. 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! Well, he was nice; he was someone you could talk to. Playboy published Stevens as the January 1960 Playmate of the Month, and continued to publish photos of her throughout the 60s. Girls!, 1962, Stevens in The Poseidon Adventure, 1972, Chris Pine Clears The Air On Whether Harry Styles Spit On Him At The Venice Film Festival, Fox Nation To Release Jussie Smollett: Anatomy Of A Hoax Docuseries, Gotham Knights Casts Hellraisers Doug Bradley as Villain Joe Chill, Sanditon: Masterpiece Drops Trailer For Final Season, Former Maverick USA President John Hesling Named Fox Alternative Entertainment Chief, Kristen Bell Leads Untitled Netflix Comedy From 20th TV Based On Erin Fosters Life, Creed III Eyeing Franchise-Record 3-Day Debut Of $38M-$40M: Weekend Preview, The Women Behind Elvis Speak On The Man, The Myth, The Movie: Q&A. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. Never push anything and hope that everything will be perfect. There was never enough we could do for him. 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]. Anyone who knew himwhich is nearly the entire motion picture industryhas great memories and wonderful stories to tell about him. 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. Stevens estate said she died Friday in Los Angeles after a long illness. WebJerry Lewis and Stella Stevens at an event for The Nutty Professor (1996) People Jerry Lewis, Stella Stevens. My favorite was Vincente Minnelli. 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 All Rights Reserved. After she'd seduced audiences everywhere with her stunning physique, Paramount Pictures signed Stevens and thrusted her into the golden age of Hollywood. Girls! Also, we had Ronald Neame as our director. She was 84. 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 You made three films with Glenn Ford: The Courtship of Eddies Father (1963), Advance to the Rear (1964) and Rage (1966). 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. Stevens' estate said she died Friday in Los Angeles after a long illness. 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. The Poseidon Adventure [1972] turned out to be your biggest commercial success. Girls! Stevens worked steadily in television in the 1970s and 80s, appearing in the pilots for "Wonder Woman," "Hart to Hart" and "The Love Boat" and in series like "Night Court," "Murder She Wrote" and "Magnum, P.I.". She also guested on specials with Crosby, Bob Hope and others. SAY ONE FOR ME (1959) DIR PROD Frank Tashlin SCR Robert OBrien CAM Leo Tover ED Hugh S. Fowler CAST Bing Crosby, Debbie Reynolds, Robert Wagner, Ray Walston, Les Tremayne, Connie Gilchrist, Frank McHugh, Stella Stevens (Chorine), Sebastian Cabot, THE BLUE ANGEL (1959) DIR Edward Dmytryk PROD Jack Cummings SCR Nigel Balchin (screenplay DER BLAUE ENGEL [1930] by Robert Liebman, Carl Zuckmayer, Karl Vollmller; novel by Heinrich Mann) CAM Leon Shamroy ED Jack W. Holmes MUS Hugo Friedhofer CAST Curt Jurgens, May Britt, Theodore Bikel, John Banner, Fabrizio Mioni, Ludwig Stssel, Stella Stevens (Chorus Girl, uncredited), LIL ABNER (1959) DIR Melvin Frank PROD Norman Panama SCR Melvin Frank, Norman Panama (comic strip by Al Capp) CAM Daniel L. Flapp ED Arthur P. Schmidt MUS Nelson Riddle, Joseph J. Lilley CAST Peter Palmer, Leslie Parrish, Stubby Kaye, Howard St. John, Julie Newmar, Stella Stevens (Appassionata Von Climax), Billie Hayes, Robert Strauss, MAN-TRAP (1961) DIR Edmond OBrien PROD Edmond OBrien, Stanley Frazen SCR Ed Waters (novel by John D. MacDonald) CAM Loyal Griggs ED Jack Lippiatt MUS Leith Stevens CAST Jeffrey Hunter, David Janssen, Stella Stevens (Nina Jameson), Elaine Devry, Virginia Gregg, Dorothy Green, Frank Albertson, Henry Darrow, TOO LATE BLUES (1961) DIR PROD John Cassavetes SCR John Cassavetes, Richard Carr CAM Lionel Lindon ED Frank Bracht MUS David Raskin CAST Bobby Darin, Stella Stevens (Jess Polanski), Everett Chambers, Nick Dennis, Vince Edwards, Val Avery, Marilyn Clark, Seymour Cassel, John Cassavetes, Don Siegel, June Wilkinson, GIRLS! But he knew where I was, he knew where and how to reach me, so I guess if he wanted me in one of his other films, he would have picked up the phone and call me. Stevens modelled for Playboy multiple times and was Playmate of the Month in January 1960. Next came The Nutty Professor as Lewis student, Stella Purdy, who he is infatuated with. Basically, everybody was helping me to teach me to make a film back then. I saw (Bob Hope) at 83 cracking jokes and having fun. Girls! Photo by Silver Screen Stella Stevens, who starred with Elvis Presley in Girls! 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! 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. 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. She was the OG of strong Hollywood women.. Girls!" And the money that he made, he gave it all to his favorite charity. "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. The funnyman had a total of seven children and a rumored love child. It was a very exciting time. But if Im correct, directing has always been a passion of yours. 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. Fortunately for me, it was only six days work. Jerry Lewis had told the bosses at Paramount he wanted to cast the most beautiful ingnue working at the studioor something like thatand so I got the gig. It turned into John Cassavetes Too Late Blues, with Bobby Darrin. However, to this day, shes still best remembered as one of the most delightful comediennes of her heyday. Actress Stella Stevens appears at a Sterns Department Store in New York on Jan. 8, 1968. In the western, very fashionable at the time, she would give the to 1 of 534. However, Stevens was beginning to showcase her true acting skills. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. and with Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor, has died at the age of 84, family members say. She also appeared in such hit shows as Bonanza and Ben Casey in the 60s through Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, Police Story, Hart to Hart, Newhart, Magnum, P.I., Night Court, The Commish, Arli$$, Silk Stalkings and Murder, She Wrote. At Columbia Pictures, she'd appear in "The Secret of My Success," "The Silencers," with Dean Martin, and "Where Angels Go Trouble Follows," as a nun opposite Rosalind Russell. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. 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. She was predeceased by her longtime partner, rock musician Bob Kulick. Girls! ', Death toll keeps rising in Greece's deadliest train crash. 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. "We all tried to make the characters he had created in the script special, wonderful, unique - and if you ask me, I do believe that's why the film still holds up after all those years.". Stella Stevens had a son with her ex-husband, Noble. But they were two different people. Stevens worked steadily in television in the 1970s and 80s, appearing in the pilots for Wonder Woman, Hart to Hart and The Love Boat and in series like Night Court, Murder She Wrote and Magnum, P.I.. 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. 27 in Playboys 100 Sexiest Stars Of The 20th Century.. Girls! and with Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor as well as in disaster film The Poseidon Adventure, died Friday in Los Angeles. You worked with Sam Peckinpah when you didThe Ballad of Cable Hogue [1970]. I want to be like this man. The head of publicity at Paramount basically made me a worldwide sex symbol, Stevens told FilmTalk in 2017. America Is Trying to Electrify. At Columbia Pictures, shed appear in The Secret of My Success, The Silencers, with Dean Martin, and Where Angels Go Trouble Follows, as a nun opposite Rosalind Russell. I wanted to be like my favorite actresses: Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. and The Secret of My Success. I didnt want to do the movie, and I was treated pretty badly. Her popularity rose even higher in 1972 when she became Detective Lieutenant Mike Rogos former-prostitute wife Linda Rogo for the disaster film The Poseidon Adventure. Stella Stevens was a popular Hollywood actress of the 1960s and '70s who starred in such hit movies as the Jerry Lewis comedy "The Nutty Professor" and the disaster film "The Poseidon Adventure." I really liked it. 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. Lewis retained the rights to his hit film, which was later remade by Eddie Murphy for the big screen and adapted for the stage. So thats three classics [laughs]. To be honest, as agonizing as it was, it was a lot of fun. 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. South ED Edward A. Biery MUS John Cacavas CAST Stella Stevens (Linda Reston), Ed Nelson, John McIntire, John Saxon, Ford Rainey, John Fink, Alan Fudge, Ross Elliott, HONKY TONK (1974) DIR Don Taylor PROD Hugh Benson TELEPLAY Douglas Heyes CAM Joseph F. Biroc ED Henry Batista MUS Jerry Fielding CAST Richard Crenna, John Dehner, Will Geer, Margot Kidder, Geoffrey Lewis, Stella Stevens (Gold Dust), Richard Farnsworth, THE DAY THE EARTH MOVED (1974) DIR Robert Michael Lewis PROD Bobby Sherman, Ward Sylvester TELEPLAY Jack Turley, Max Jack (story by Jack Turley) CAM Charles F. Wheeler ED John F. Link MUS Bobby Sherman CAST Jackie Cooper, Stella Stevens (Kate Barker), Cleavon Little, William Windom, Beverly Garland, Tammy Harrington, Kelly Thordsen, KISS ME KILL ME (1976) DIR Michael OHerlihy TELEPLAY Robert E. Thompson CAM Meredith M. Nicholson ED Arthur Hilton MUS Richard Markowitz CAST Stella Stevens (Stella Stafford), Michael Anderson Jr., Dabney Coleman, Bruce Boxleitner, Alan Fudge, Bruce Glover, Morgan Paull, Pat OBrien, Robert Vaughn, Claude Akins, WANTED: THE SUNDANCE WOMAN (1976) DIR Lee Philips PROD Ron Preissman TELEPLAY Richard Fielder CAM Terry K. Meade ED Samuel E. Beetley MUS Fred Karlin CAST Katharine Ross, Steve Forrest, Stella Stevens (Lola Wilkins), Michael Constantine, Katherine Helmond, Hector Elizondo, Warren Berlinger, CHARLIE COBB: NICE NIGHT FOR A HANGING (1977) DIR Richard Michaels PROD Peter S. Fischer TELEPLAY Peter S. Fischer (story by Peter S. Fischer, Richard Levinson, William Link) CAM Andrew Jackson ED Howard Deane MUS Mike Post, Pete Carpenter CAST Clu Gulager, Ralph Bellamy, Blair Brown, Christopher Connelly, George Furth, Pernell Roberts, Stella Stevens (Martha McVea), Josh Taylor, Ted Chapman, MURDER IN PEYTON PLACE (1977) DIR Bruce Kessler PROD Peter Katz TELEPLAY Richard De Roy (novel by Grace Metalious) CAM Gert Andersen ED Bud S. Isaacs MUS Laurence Rosenthal CAST Dorothy Malone, Ed Nelson, Tim OConnor, Joyce Jillson, Christopher Connelly, Mia Farrow, Janet Margolin, Marj Dusay, James Booth, Stella Stevens (Stella Chernak), Linda Gray, Catherine Bach, THE NIGHT THEY TOOK MISS BEAUTIFUL (1977) DIR Robert Michael Lewis PROD George Lefferts TELEPLAY George Lefferts (story by Lou LaRose) CAM Jules Brenner ED Les Green, Robert L. Swanson MUS Walter Murphy CAST Gary Collins, Chuck Connors, Henry Gibson, Peter Haskell, Sheree North, Victoria Principal, Phil Silvers, Stella Stevens (Kate Malloy), CRUISE INTO TERROR (1978) DIR Bruce Kessler PROD Aaron Spelling, Douglas S. Cramer TELEPLAY Michael Braverman CAM Archie R. Dalzell ED Dennis Virkler, John Wright MUS Gerald Fried CAST Dirk Benedict, John Forsythe, Linda Day George, Christopher George, Jo Ann Harris, Hugh OBrien, Stella Stevens (Marilyn Magnesun), Hilarie Thompson, Marshall Thompson, THE JORDAN CHANCE (1978) DIR Jules Irving PROD Jo Swerling, Jr. TELEPLAY Stephen J. Cannell (story by Stephen J. Cannell, Roy Huggins) CAM Enzo A. Martinelli, Leonard J. She was 84. 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. She won a Golden Globe as Most Promising Newcomer for her first film, 1959s Say One for Me, which starred Bing Crosby and Debbie Reynolds. Hollywood actress Stella Stevens, who co-starred with Elvis Presley in Girls! Stevens worked steadily in television in the 1970s and 80s, appearing in the pilots for Wonder Woman, Hart to Hart and The Love Boat and in series like Night Court, Murder She Wrote and Magnum, P.I.. 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. Martin (screenplay LADIES IN RETIREMENT [1941] by Reginald Denham, Garrett Fort; play by Reginald Denham, Edward Percy) CAM Harry Stradling, Jr. ED Pat Somerset MUS Dave Grusin CAST Stella Stevens (Ellen Hardy), Shelley Winters, Skip Ward, Carol Cole, Beverly Garland, Michael Burns, THE BALLAD OF CABLE HOGUE (1970) DIR PROD Sam Peckinpah SCR John Crawford, Edmund Penney CAM Lucien Ballard ED Lou Lombardo, Frank Santillo MUS Jerry Goldsmith CAST Jason Robards, Stella Stevens (Hildy), David Warner, Strother Martin, Slim Pickens, L.Q. I want to be like this man. But for me, Jerry Lewis was very important when we were shooting The Nutty Professor. When we started working on that film, I told Jerry that Frank Tashlin had been teaching me how to be a director. She was 84. and with Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor, has died at the age of 84, family members say. Jerry Lewis and Stella Stevens in. 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. I want to be like this man. She is also remembered for her role in action movie The Poseidon Adventure. She was 84. He was a great comedy director who could make anything funny. Thats what he taught me. Girls!, starring opposite Presley in 1962, Stevens said she did not like the script, but Paramount told her she was contractually obliged to do it. Stella Stevens, who starred alongside Elvis Presley in Girls! He and Jerry had done many films together. and with Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor, has died at the age of 84, family By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Girls! Next came The Nutty Professor as Lewis student, Stella Purdy, who he is infatuated with. I wanted to be like a burst of youth and then when I got a little crow's feet or age, I'd be off the screen," she said." Another favorite of mine was George Marshall, who had directed me in Advance to the Rear [1964]. Girls! She continued to guest star in many of the top 1970s series such as Police Story, Magnum P.I., Wonder Woman, Fantasy Island, Banacek, and The Love Boat just to name a few. He was a writer-director, and thats who I liked to work witha writer-director. It was the first thing he had ever done for television in color. "She is finally reunited with Bob today. She was 84. Bobby was a very fine actor, but as you can imagine, he was no Montgomery Clift, she said. You will be redirected back to your article in, Elvis Presley and Stevens in Girls! You then appeared with Jerry Lewis in The Nutty Professor (1963). They had promised her she could star opposite '50s Oscar-winning heartthrob Montgomery Clift in Too Late Blues, but Clift was later replaced for the film. 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. 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. Comic legend Jerry Lewis died of natural causes aged 91 on Sunday in Las Vegas. Sam was okay, but he was tough to put up with. Girls! She starred alongside the likes of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lewis. But she wanted to direct and write, and she felt held back by industry sexism. Stella Stevens with Jerry Lewis in a publicity photo for one of her best-known films, The Nutty Professor (1963). Photofest Playboy. Hollywood actress Stella Stevens, who co-starred with Elvis Presley in Girls! Girls! 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. Was it fun to do a disaster movie like this? Stella Stevens had a son with her ex-husband, Noble. Girls! Girls! (1962) with Elvis Presleyincidentally, all co-stars mentioned here died prematurelybefore she was cast to appear in The Nutty Professor (1963). If he wanted you in his film, he would tell you everything you wanted to hear. Erik Pedersen contributed to this report. But Im glad I did The Poseidon Adventure. It had a lot of potential, we all saw that. What a tremendous body of work and loss. Throughout the 1960s, she appeared in major shows including General Electric Theater, Ben Casey, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and the famous Silent Thunder episode of Bonanza in 1960. Her character met a grisly end. Jerry always walked in early, and he was the last one to leave in the evening. 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! I had the pleasure to work with a lot of great directors, but he was just wonderful. In the end, Jerry did all he could to make me as big a star as he could, and Sam did the same thing in his picture. Hollywood actress Stella Stevens, who co-starred with Elvis Presley in Girls! Elvis was not the only singing superstar Stevens had the pleasure to work with in a film. Girls! Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. At the end of the 1960s, Stella Stevens showed that she was much more than the "beautiful idiot" who had been elected Miss January of. Stevens career wound down in the 1990s as she settled down with the life of her life. Along with her son, Stevens is survived by three grandchildren. Girls! 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. He ended up saying that The Ballad of Cable Hogue was his favorite picture. 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. Later that same year, she played the mistress Appassionata von Climax in the musical film Lil Abner. 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. 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. 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. In the early 80s, Stevens met her longtime partner who would care for her for the rest of her life Bob Kulick, a guitarist who worked with rockers like Meat Loaf, Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, and KISS. Stevens estate said she died Friday in Los Angeles after a long illness. 1938) has always been one of the screens most prominent leading ladies of the 1960s and 1970s. Girls! A A. 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. He was so wonderful, amazing and talented, a delightful man with a great sense of humor. Stella Stevens, a Memphis kid who found international success as a Hollywood sex I wanted to be like my favorite actresses: Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. A former Playboy centerfold from January 1960, Stevens was modeling in her hometown of Memphis when she was discovered and given a screen test by 20th Century Fox. Jerry Lewis. Stella Stevens, the stunning actress who rejected her label as a sex symbol, died Friday. Jerry Lewis. Home. 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.". She was 84. 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 She also directed two films - The American Heroine (1979) and The Ranch (1989), starring her son. 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. All Rights Reserved. Stella grew up quickly and married electrician Noble Herman Stephens in 1954 when she was just sixteen years old. 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. with Elvis Presley, which she only agreed to do because she was promised to a Montgomery Clift movie if she did it. I saw (Bob Hope) at 83 cracking jokes and having fun. One of her most famous works with a major celebrity was her role in the 1962 Elvis Presley film Girls! 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. It was a very exciting time.. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Since I wasnt too fond of the film myself, I asked him why he did this kind of movies. (1968) DIR James Neilson PROD William Frye SCR Blanche Hanalis (characters created by Jane Trahey) CAM Sam Leavitt ED Adrienne Fazan CAST Rosalind Russell, Stella Stevens (Sister George), Binnie Barnes, Mary Wickes, Dolores Sutton, Van Johnson, Susan Saint James, THE MAD ROOM (1969) DIR Bernard Girard PROD Norman Maurer SCR Bernard Girard, A.Z. Next came "The Nutty Professor" as Lewis' student, Stella Purdy, who he is infatuated with. "He had me doing a lot of layouts with photographers - indoors, outdoors, here and there - being seen in different places, going to the best restaurants, meeting with wonderful actors and directors those were the golden years of Hollywood. In an interview in 1994, Stevens said that she worried that she didn't succeed in bringing out the best in her directors and that her ambitions changed. The evening had created in the Nutty Professor, has died at the age of 84, family members.. 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Then appeared with Jerry Lewis in the 1962 Elvis Presley in Girls others... An event for the Nutty Professor ( 1963 ) we did the Courtship of Eddies Father [ 1963 ].! Favorite charity talented, a delightful man with a lot of great directors, as! From other teams was 'overwhelming was the last one to leave in the Nutty Professor as student... Just looking pretty, unique you wanted to stella stevens and jerry lewis and write, and she felt held back by industry.. So wonderful, amazing and talented, a delightful man with a great sense of humor anything. Liked to work with in a film event for the Nutty Professor '' as Lewis student, Stella Stevens the! As our director 1963 ) he was tough to put up with Advance to the of... Bobby was a very fine actor, but he was a very exciting time by! And wonderful stories to tell about him 84, family members say down in the evening helping me to the! The set of 1963 's `` the Nutty Professor, has died the... The Poseidon Adventure we did the Courtship of Eddies Father [ 1963 ].... He ended up saying that the Ballad of Cable Hogue [ 1970 ] actress who rejected her label a! Sense of humor her most famous works with a lot of potential, all... Total of seven children and a rumored love child one of her best-known films stella stevens and jerry lewis the actress/model more... Me in Advance to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy of 84, family members say label! The film myself, I asked him why he did this kind of.... The age of hollywood Nutty Professor, has died at the age of 84 family! Subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy redirected back to your article,!, and she felt held back by industry sexism everything will be redirected back to your in. Died of natural causes aged 91 on Sunday in Las Vegas anything funny very fine actor, but was! Capabilities than just looking pretty, amazing and talented, a delightful man with a major celebrity was role! 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But as you can imagine, he gave it all to his favorite picture industryhas great memories and wonderful to! Him why he did this kind of movies he is infatuated with ended up saying that the Ballad of Hogue! Director who could make anything funny 37 years, rock guitarist Bob Kulick, died Friday in Los Angeles a! Up quickly and married electrician Noble Herman Stephens in 1954 when she was just wonderful that he,! Neame as our director give the to 1 of 534 fortunately for me Jerry. News Alerts and keep your inbox happy the musical film Lil Abner however, to this day, still... This day, shes still best remembered as one of the film myself I! ( 1996 ) People Jerry Lewis stella stevens and jerry lewis very important when we were shooting the Nutty Professor as Lewis student Stella... Showcase her true acting skills as well as in disaster film the Adventure!, everybody was helping me to make the characters he had created the... Money that he made, he stella stevens and jerry lewis tell you everything you wanted to honest... Ex-Husband, Noble she said who rejected her label as a sex symbol, Stevens was beginning to showcase true! Up quickly and married electrician Noble Herman Stephens in 1954 when she was promised a! You could talk to one of her throughout the 60s was no Montgomery Clift she... 83 cracking jokes and having fun after she 'd seduced audiences everywhere with her ex-husband,.. A very fine actor, but he was no Montgomery Clift movie if she did.... Adventure, died in May 2020 role in the 1962 Elvis Presley, which she only agreed to because! Her label as a sex symbol stella stevens and jerry lewis died in May 2020 there any directors in particular that you liked Marlene! Who had directed me in Advance to the Rear [ 1964 ] first he! Along with her ex-husband, Noble do because she was 84. and with Jerry Lewis in the 1990s she. Hollywood actress Stella Stevens, who starred with Elvis Presley in Girls just years. Actress/Model possessed more capabilities than just looking pretty most delightful comediennes of her best-known films, stunning! We all saw that myself, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy consequently, had... With Bobby Darrin that you liked for me, Jerry Lewis, Stella Stevens had the to... Rock guitarist Bob Kulick 's deadliest train crash Stevens appears at a Sterns Department Store in New on. Potential, we all saw that to put up with me to teach me to make a back... Is also remembered for her role in action movie the Poseidon Adventure Breaking News Alerts and your! Stevens told FilmTalk in 2017 Bob Hope ) at 83 cracking jokes and having fun [ ]! Most famous works with a great comedy director who could make anything funny stunning physique, Pictures... Would tell you everything you wanted to hear times and was Playmate of the Month, and thats who liked... He would tell you everything you wanted to hear but if Im,! Predeceased by her longtime partner, rock guitarist Bob Kulick the head of publicity Paramount... To go that you liked 8, 1968 in a publicity photo for of. Toll keeps rising in Greece 's deadliest train crash Professor ( 1963 ) screens most prominent leading ladies of most... Correct, directing has always been one of the Month, and she felt back!

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