Lana Clarkson
Lana Clarkson | |
|---|---|
| File:Lana Clarkson.jpg | |
| Born | April 5, 1962 |
| Died | February 3, 2003 (aged 40) |
- For information of the Canadian Supreme Court case involving another woman named Lana Clarkson see Clarkson v. The Queen.
Lana Clarkson (April 5, 1962 – February 3, 2003) was an American actress. She was born in Long Beach, California.
Clarkson is best known for her film work with Roger Corman, appearing first in his fantasy epic Deathstalker (1983). Her work as a sword wielding pixie led to her being offered the title role in Corman's next film, the cult classic Barbarian Queen (1985), a role Corman has fondly referred to as "the original Xena." Clarkson reprised her role in a sequel titled Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back (1989). In 1987 she appeared in the John Landis spoof Amazon Women on the Moon. Lana's work in that genre inspired a cult following, making her a favorite at comic book conventions, where she made some promotional appearances signing autographs for her fans.
She is also remembered for her brief role as Mrs. Vargas from the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. She also appeared in numerous B movies as well as a range of television and commercial performances. Her television appearances include parts on Night Court, Silk Stalkings, Riptide, Three's Company, Knight Rider and Wings.
On February 3, 2003, Clarkson was allegedly shot dead by legendary music producer Phil Spector at his mansion in Alhambra, California, after meeting him at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, where she had been working as a hostess. Spector was formally charged with murder on September 27, 2004, in connection with the shooting. His defense has claimed the death was an accidental suicide.
On May 29, 2007, a coroner by the name Dr. Louis Pena testified that the bruises on her face and in her mouth were more consistent with a gun being forced into the mouth and being fired, classifying it as a homicide, contrary to what the defense claimed.
External links
- Official Website
- Lana Clarkson at IMDb
- B-movie actress named as shooting victim—story from the Guardian newspaper (February 4, 2003)
- Shooting victim was B-movie actress—story from the BBC News website (February 4, 2003)
- Crime Library article about Lana Clarkson’s death