Beverly Garland biography

Beverly Garland was an American actress known for her work in film and television, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Here is a biography of Beverly Garland:

Full Name: Beverly Lucy Fessenden
Date of Birth: October 17, 1926
Date of Passing: December 5, 2008
Place of Birth: Santa Cruz, California, USA

Early Life:

Beverly Garland was born in Santa Cruz, California. She grew up in a family with show business connections; her father, James Atkins Fessenden, was a business associate of famous bandleader Guy Lombardo.

Career:

1. Early Acting Career: Garland began her acting career in the late 1940s, initially using the stage name Beverly Campbell.
2. Name Change: She later changed her last name to Garland, inspired by her admiration for actress Judy Garland.
3. Film Career: Beverly Garland appeared in a variety of films in the 1950s, including “D.O.A.” (1950), “It Conquered the World” (1956), and “Swamp Women” (1956).
4. Television Success: She found considerable success in television, starring in the popular TV series “Decoy” (1957–1958), where she played the lead role of undercover police officer Casey Jones. This made her one of the first female leads in a dramatic television series.
5. Guest Appearances: Garland became a sought-after guest star on various television shows during the 1960s and 1970s. She appeared in popular series such as “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “Perry Mason,” and “The Twilight Zone.”
6. Later Roles: In the 1980s and 1990s, Beverly Garland continued to make guest appearances on TV shows, including “Scarecrow and Mrs. King,” “Remington Steele,” and “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.”
7. Hospitality Business: In addition to her acting career, Garland and her husband operated a successful hotel and restaurant business. They owned and operated the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood, California.

Personal Life:

Beverly Garland was married to Richard Garland, an actor, from 1951 until his death in 1973. They had two children together. After Richard’s passing, Beverly focused on her acting career and the hospitality business.

Passing:

Beverly Garland passed away on December 5, 2008, at the age of 82, in Hollywood Hills, California.

Legacy:

Beverly Garland is remembered for her contributions to both film and television, particularly her pioneering role in the TV series “Decoy.” Her diverse career showcased her versatility as an actress, and her later success in the hospitality industry added another dimension to her legacy. The Beverly Garland Hotel continues to operate in her memory.

Trivia of Beverly Garland

Beverly Garland had a diverse and successful career in film and television. Here are some trivia and lesser-known facts about her:

1. Stage Name Inspiration: Beverly Garland chose her last name as a tribute to actress Judy Garland, whom she admired.
2. Show Business Connections: Garland came from a family with show business connections. Her father, James Atkins Fessenden, was a business associate of bandleader Guy Lombardo.
3. Early Career Struggles: In the early years of her career, Garland faced challenges, and her first husband reportedly discouraged her from pursuing acting. However, she persisted and found success.
4. “Decoy” Pioneering Role: Beverly Garland starred in the TV series “Decoy” (1957–1958), where she played the lead role of Casey Jones, making her one of the first female leads in a dramatic television series. The show focused on the work of an undercover police officer.
5. Guest Star Queen: Garland became known as the “Queen of the Quickies” due to her frequent guest appearances on various television shows during the 1960s and 1970s.
6. Hotel and Restaurant Business: In addition to her acting career, Garland and her husband operated a hotel and restaurant business. The Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood, California, is part of their legacy.
7. Western Roles: Beverly Garland appeared in numerous Westerns, a popular genre during the 1950s and 1960s. She became known for her roles in Western films and TV series.
8. Work with Roger Corman: She collaborated with legendary B-movie director Roger Corman on several occasions, including in films like “Swamp Women” (1956) and “It Conquered the World” (1956).
9. Science Fiction Appearances: Garland had a presence in science fiction films, including the aforementioned “It Conquered the World,” which featured a giant alien creature.
10. Motherhood: She had two children with her first husband, actor Richard Garland. Following his death in 1973, Beverly focused on her career and raising her children.
11. Broad Range of Roles: Beverly Garland showcased her versatility by taking on a wide range of roles, from crime dramas to comedies and science fiction.
12. Perry Mason Connection: Garland made multiple guest appearances on the legal drama series “Perry Mason.” She played different characters in different episodes.
13. Honors: In recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry, Beverly Garland was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Beverly Garland’s career spanned several decades, and her impact on both film and television is remembered with admiration. Her pioneering role in “Decoy” and her successful foray into the hospitality business contribute to her lasting legacy.