Lana Clarkson

A basketball player at Cloverdale High, the towering 16-year-old soon began to harbor modeling aspirations. After moving to Los Angeles in 1978, Clarkson's dreams would become realized as the striking young beauty stepped before the cameras of fashion photographers while simultaneously beginning a successful career in film and television. Appearing in such television hits as Happy Days and Fantasy Island (she could frequently be seen placing leis on guest stars at the beginning of the show), at age 18 Clarkson acquired her SAG card with a role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). Though roles in Scarface (1983) and Blind Date (1984) would follow soon after, it was Clarkson's appearance in such Roger Corman efforts as Deathstalker and Barbarian Queen that would truly endear the attractive young actress to legions of B-movie lovers. Living in the canals of Venice, CA, in her later years, Clarkson's winning sense of humor lead her to explore a career in standup comedy, and after breaking her wrists in a fall in 2001, the optimistic actress used her recovery time to focus her career. In early 2003, the world of film would lose an enduring and shining personality as Clarkson's life was abruptly ended with a bullet. She was 40. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide