Lana Clarkson had a career over 20 years, with more than 50 films and TV shows under her belt. Her filmography started in the late 1970s and ended with her death in 2003. Clarkson stood tall at 6 feet, making her perfect for action roles.
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Lana was born in Long Beach, California, on April 5, 1962. She quickly became a Hollywood star. Her best roles were in “Barbarian Queen” and other films by Roger Corman, making her a B-movie legend.
Clarkson also showed her range in comedy. In the early 2000s, she started doing stand-up comedy. She continued her acting career after a year off due to an injury.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Lana Clarkson was born in Long Beach, California, on April 5, 1962. She started her journey in the entertainment world early. She laid the groundwork for a career that would last over two decades in her early years.
She made her mark with many Lana Clarkson movie titles and on-screen appearances.
Childhood in California
Clarkson grew up in Sonoma County before moving to Southern California in 1978. She went to Cloverdale High School and Pacific Union College Preparatory School. These places helped fuel her dreams of becoming a star.
Pursuit of an Entertainment Career
After moving to the San Fernando Valley, Lana aimed for the entertainment world. She acted and modelled, preparing for her future roles.
First Acting Roles
Her first role was in 1982’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High, a craze classic that started a career that spanned film and TV. Clarkson’s early work showed her range, appearing in hits like Three’s Company, Knight Rider, and The A-Team.
| Year | Lana Clarkson Movie Titles | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Fast Times at Ridgemont High | Mrs. Vargas |
| 1983 | Scarface | Uncredited |
| 1983 | Deathstalker | Kaira |
These early roles paved the way for Clarkson’s future success. She worked with producer Roger Corman and appeared in B-movies. Her career lasted from 1982 to 2003, showcasing her action, fantasy, and comedy talent.
Breakout Role in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”
Lana Clarkson started her acting career with a small but essential role in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. This movie was her first big step into feature-length films and set the stage for her future in the industry.
In the movie, Clarkson played the wife of science teacher Mr. Vargas, played by Vincent Schiavelli. Even though her role was short, it was key in making her known in Hollywood. The film’s success helped increase Clarkson’s visibility in the industry.
Amy Heckerling directed “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” which became a craze classic. This role gave Clarkson a strong base for her acting career. It opened doors for her in TV and film, leading to a wide range of characters over 20 years.
Clarkson’s role in this famous teen comedy showed her acting range. This led to her roles in action-packed B-movies and working with famous producer Roger Corman, making her a key figure in Lana Clarkson’s cinema.
Collaboration with Roger Corman
Lana Clarkson’s career got a big boost when she worked with Roger Corman. Together, they made a series of B-movies that became key to her film career. Corman was incredibly productive, making over 100 films in his 60-year career.
Deathstalker (1983)
Clarkson’s first project with Corman was “Deathstalker” in 1983. She starred alongside Barbi Benton in this epic sword-and-sorcery film. This role set the stage for her future work in the genre.
Barbarian Queen (1985)
In 1985, Clarkson took on the lead role in “Barbarian Queen.” She played Queen Amathea, a role that quickly gained a craze following. The film’s success led to a sequel, “Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back,” further boosting Clarkson’s fame.
The Haunting of Morella (1990)
Clarkson and Corman teamed up again for “The Haunting of Morella” in 1990. This horror film showed Clarkson’s range as an actress, adding to her diverse filmography.
| Movie Title | Year | Genre | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deathstalker | 1983 | Sword and Sorcery | Supporting |
| Barbarian Queen | 1985 | Action/Adventure | Lead (Queen Amathea) |
| The Haunting of Morella | 1990 | Horror | Lead |
These films, including “The Warrior and the Sorceress” (1984) and “Deathstalker II” (1987), are part of the Sword and Sorcery Collection. Shot in Argentina, they blend humour and action, highlighting Clarkson’s role in 1980s B-movies.
Lana Clarkson Movies List: A Comprehensive Overview
Lana Clarkson’s film career started with minor roles and grew to bigger parts in B-movies and craze classics. She showed her versatility in many genres.
Clarkson first caught attention in the 1982 hit “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Then, she starred in action and fantasy films like the 1983 “Deathstalker.” Though not widely praised, this movie became a craze hit and had many sequels.
| Movie Title | Year | Genre | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Times at Ridgemont High | 1982 | Comedy | Mrs. Vargas |
| Deathstalker | 1983 | Action, Fantasy | Kaira |
| Barbarian Queen | 1985 | Action, Adventure | Amethea |
| Amazon Women on the Moon | 1987 | Comedy | Misty Meadows |
| The Haunting of Morella | 1990 | Horror | Morella |
In 1985, Clarkson’s role in “Barbarian Queen” made her a cult icon. Over her career, she appeared in 14 movies, mostly horror, comedy, and action. Her last film was “March” (2001), in which she played Dr. Ellen Taylor.
Lana Clarkson’s films might not be big hits, but they have a loyal fan base in B-movies and cult cinema. Her roles in these films have made her a legend in cult cinema history.
Television Appearances and Commercial Work
Lana Clarkson’s acting career went beyond movies. She was in many TV shows and commercials. Her work showed her wide range as an actress and made her well-known in entertainment.
Popular TV Shows
Lana Clarkson starred in hit TV series, including Three’s Company and Who’s the Boss? Her roles included action-packed shows like Knight Rider and The A-Team. She even starred in Night Court and Wings, which were about courtrooms and airlines.
Memorable Commercials
Clarkson also shined in commercials. She worked for big names like Mercedes-Benz and Kmart. She also promoted Nike, Mattel, and Anheuser-Busch. Her ads showed her ability to connect with different audiences.
In “Black Scorpion,” Lana Clarkson played Dr. Sarah Bellum, also known as Mindbender. This role was a great end to her TV career. It showed her skill in playing various characters.
Craze Following and Fan Conventions
Lana Clarkson’s roles in B movies, especially in sci-fi, earned her a strong cult following. Fans loved her for her beauty and big personality. Her work made her a favorite in the genre.
Clarkson met her fans at comic book conventions, signed autographs, and talked with them, making her a craze icon in the B-movie world.
Many movies gain cult followings years after they first came out. This is similar to what happened with “Phantom of the Paradise” in 1974. Like Clarkson, this film won over fans over time.
| Aspect | Mainstream Films | Cult Films |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Potential | High | Often Negligible |
| Fan Interaction | Limited | High (Conventions, Meet-and-Greets) |
| Long-term Appeal | Variable | Strong, Growing Over Time |
Cult films may not make much money but have a loyal fanbase. This was true for Lana Clarkson’s roles, which were still loved by fans years later.
Transition to Comedy and Later Career Challenges
Lana Clarkson’s acting career turned unexpectedly as she entered her forties. Although she was known for her roles in Hollywood movies, Clarkson faced new challenges in the entertainment industry. Her journey from action heroine to aspiring comedian shows her resilience.
Development of Stand-Up Comedy Act
As opportunities in Hollywood movies decreased, Clarkson turned to comedy at 40. At this age, many actresses face career challenges. She started working on a stand-up routine, aiming to remake herself as a comic actress.
Clarkson drew from her film industry experiences. However, wrist injuries made it difficult for her to fully express her comedic talent.
Financial Struggles and Part-Time Work
The change in Clarkson’s acting career led to financial difficulties. She became a hostess at the House of Blues in West Hollywood to earn money. This job provided income and allowed her to show her lively personality.
Clarkson’s resilience was clear as she balanced her dreams with her practical needs.
| Career Stage | Age | Challenges | Actions Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak in B-movies | 30s | Declining roles | Explored new opportunities |
| Transition Period | 40 | Wrist injuries, fewer acting jobs | Developed comedy act |
| Later Career | 41 | Financial struggles | Part-time work as hostess |
Clarkson’s journey shows the tough realities actors face in Hollywood. Her drive to remake herself, even with setbacks, highlights her passion for the entertainment industry.
Notable Performances and Character Portrayals
Lana Clarkson’s filmography shows her broad range as an actress. She has played everything from action heroes to funny characters, proving she can handle many roles.
Action Heroines and Strong Female Leads
Clarkson became known for playing strong women in action and fantasy movies. Her big break was in 1985 with “Barbarian Queen,” made by Roger Corman. This film made her a cult star, leading to more roles as a powerful heroine.
Comedic Roles and Character Development
Clarkson also excelled in comedy. She starred in the funny movie Amazon Women on the Moon, which showcased her acting skills. Later, she even tried stand-up comedy, proving her versatility.
| Film | Year | Role Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Times at Ridgemont High | 1982 | Minor (First SAG role) |
| Deathstalker | 1983 | Action/Fantasy |
| Barbarian Queen | 1985 | Action Heroine |
| Amazon Women on the Moon | 1987 | Comedy |
Clarkson was on screen for almost 20 years, ending her career in the early 2000s. Her journey from small parts to leading roles made a big mark on B-movies.
Impact on B-Movie Genre and Lasting Legacy
Lana Clarkson made a big mark on the B-movie world, especially in sword-and-sorcery films. Her roles in Roger Corman’s movies helped shape the action heroine image in the 1980s. Her film list shows her wide range and how she helped make cult classics that still draw fans today.
Even when her career hit bumps, Clarkson’s work in B-movies is still loved by fans. Her roles in “Deathstalker” and “Barbarian Queen” made her a standout female lead in a time when such roles were rare. This has inspired many actresses and filmmakers in the B-movie world.
Tragically, Clarkson’s life ended in 2003 at Phil Spector’s mansion. This event, though sad, has made her more legendary in Hollywood. It has also brought her movies to new fans, keeping her work alive.
Clarkson moved from small parts to leading roles in B-movies, showing her commitment to acting. She could do action, horror, and comedy, proving her versatility. Today, her work is a key part of 1980s pop culture, making her a film legend.
What were some of Lana Clarkson’s most notable films?
Lana Clarkson starred in films like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982), “Scarface” (1983), and “Deathstalker” (1983). She also appeared in “Barbarian Queen” (1985), “Amazon Women on the Moon” (1987), and “Vice Girls” (1996).
Her roles in “Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back” (1990), “The Haunting of Morella” (1990), and others made her stand out.
What was Lana Clarkson’s breakout role?
Lana Clarkson’s big moment was in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982). She played the wife of Mr. Vargas, a science teacher.
What was Lana Clarkson’s collaboration with Roger Corman?
Lana Clarkson worked with producer Roger Corman on five films. These films, including “Deathstalker” (1983) and “Barbarian Queen” (1985), were key to her career.
She also starred in “Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back” (1990) and “The Haunting of Morella” (1990).
What kind of television shows and commercials did Lana Clarkson appear in?
Lana Clarkson was in many TV shows like “Three’s Company” and “The Jeffersons.” She also appeared in “Knight Rider,” “Who’s the Boss?,” and “The A-Team.”
She was in “Night Court,” “Wings,” and “Silk Stalkings.” Clarkson also worked on commercials for Mercedes-Benz, Kmart, Nike, Mattel, and Anheuser-Busch.
