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Rachel Stephens (October 29, 1930 – December 14, 2018) was an American television, stage, and motion picture actress.
Education
editBorn in Fairfield, Illinois, Stephens had a master's degree from Indiana University Bloomington in theatre arts. Prior to acting in movies she was a CBS research assistant and a television actress.
Theater
editStephens performed on stage as a reporter in The Best Things In Life Are Free and as the sister of Hope Lange in Bus Stop (play) (1955). In 1972 she appeared with Jo Anne Worley at the Arlington Park Theater in Chicago. Stephens played Charlie's former mistress in a rendition of the comedy Goodbye Charlie by George Axelrod.
She was part of a cast which toured with Van Johnson in the comedy Send Me No Flowers, in 1976. In 1980 she was featured in the Neil Simon play The Gingerbread Lady. Stephens starred as Toby, an aging beauty who needs to be constantly reminded that she is attractive.
Movie actress
editStephens was signed to a film contract by Twentieth Century Fox in May 1956. In her first movie she played a nurse in Bigger Than Life (1956). The film was a drama which starred James Mason and Barbara Rush. Stephens next appeared in Oh, Men! Oh, Women! (1957) directed by Nunnally Johnson and produced by Cheryl Crawford.
In The True Story of Jesse James (1957), she has the part of Anne James.
Stephens has an uncredited part, as Miss Trimmingham, in From the Terrace (1960). Her option was renewed by 20th Century Fox in February 1960. The adaptation of the John O'Hara novel stars Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. It received a Golden Globe nomination. Her last film appearance came in 1994 in Ri¢hie Ri¢h as Richie's secretary.
Private life
editStephens dated Nico Minardos until they broke up in January 1959. Her eyes were an emerald hue. She was married with Dennis Sook until his death in October 2017, she died a year later in Evanston, Illinois, at age 88.[citation needed]
References
edit- Chicago Daily Herald, "Charlie's One Asset Is Worley", September 5, 1972, page 51
- Daily Oklahoman, "Van Johnson Opens Comedy", September 14, 1976, page 36
- Los Angeles Times, "Return Celebrated By Our Gang Kid", February 23, 1960, page B7
- The New York Times, "Kings Go Forth Will Be A Movie", May 9, 1956, page 36
- The New York Times, "Oh Men!, Oh Women!", February 22, 1957, page 25
- The New York Times, "Screen: Jesse James", March 23, 1957, page 17
- Sheboygan Press, "Peninsula Players To Open 38th Season At Fish Creek", June 29, 1972, page 35
- Syracuse Herald Journal, "Rachel Stephens Is Keeping Busy", September 24, 1956, page 10
- Vidette Messenger, "Behind The Scenes In Hollywood", January 9, 1959, page 4