Karen Black

Born:July 1, 1939

Place of Birth:Park Ridge, Illinois, USA

Died:August 8, 2013

Known For:Acting

Biography

Karen Black, born Karen Blanche Ziegler on July 1, 1939, was a multi-talented American artist known for her unique and eclectic performances in both mainstream and independent films. With a career that spanned over five decades, she left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Black's portrayals of eccentric and offbeat characters solidified her as a standout figure of New Hollywood, capturing the attention of audiences and critics alike.

Originally from suburban Chicago, Black's journey to stardom began with her studies in theater at Northwestern University, which eventually led her to Broadway and the silver screen. Her breakout role in Francis Ford Coppola's "You're a Big Boy Now" marked the beginning of a remarkable career that saw her collaborate with legendary directors such as Dennis Hopper, Robert Altman, and Alfred Hitchcock.

One of Black's most memorable performances came in "Five Easy Pieces" (1970), where she portrayed a complex and vulnerable beautician, earning her an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. Her versatility shone through in films like "Nashville" (1975), where she not only acted but also wrote and performed songs for the soundtrack, showcasing her multifaceted talent.

Throughout the '70s, Black continued to captivate audiences with her roles in a diverse range of films, from the horror anthology "Trilogy of Terror" (1975) to Alfred Hitchcock's "Family Plot" (1976). Her ability to immerse herself in a variety of genres and characters demonstrated her prowess as a versatile actress with a flair for the unconventional.

In the '80s and '90s, Black's career took on new dimensions as she delved into arthouse projects, independent films, and even ventured into screenwriting. Her portrayal of a trans woman in Robert Altman's "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" showcased her willingness to take on challenging and groundbreaking roles that pushed boundaries and defied expectations.

In the early 2000s, Black's status as a cult horror icon was solidified with her role in Rob Zombie's "House of 1000 Corpses" (2003), where she portrayed a villainous mother with chilling intensity. Despite battling ampullary cancer, Black continued to work on films and plays, leaving behind a legacy of fearless creativity and a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.

Karen Black's contributions to film and theater will always be remembered, not only for her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft but also for her willingness to push boundaries and explore the depths of human emotion through her performances. Her unique presence on screen and stage will forever be cherished by fans and fellow artists alike, ensuring that her legacy endures for generations to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Easy Rider

Karen

1969

Wyatt and Billy, two Harley-riding hippies, complete a drug deal in Southern California and decide to travel cross-country in search of spiritual truth.

The Great Gatsby

Myrtle Wilson

1974

Nick Carraway, a young Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, the nouveau riche Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby's circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.

House of 1000 Corpses

Mother Firefly

2003

Two teenage couples traveling across the backwoods of Texas searching for urban legends of serial killers end up as prisoners of a bizarre and sadistic backwater family of serial killers.

The Player

Karen Black

1992

A Hollywood studio executive is being sent death threats by a writer whose script he rejected - but which one?

Nashville

Connie White

1975

The intersecting stories of twenty-four characters—from country star to wannabe to reporter to waitress—connect to the music business in Nashville, Tennessee.

Capricorn One

Judy Drinkwater

1977

In order to protect the reputation of the American space program, a team of NASA administrators turn the first Mars mission into a phony Mars landing. Under threat of harm to their families the astronauts play their part in the deception on a staged set in a deserted military base. But once the real ship returns to Earth and burns up on re-entry, the astronauts become liabilities. Now, with the help of a crusading reporter, they must battle a sinister conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden.

The Double 0 Kid

Mrs. Elliot

1992

Lance, a teenager, dreams to be a secret agent when he is suddenly in the middle of an hacker intrigue which aims at an international environmental congress. Lance gets in possession of a computer access card one of which the hackers are in urgent need of for their operation. Lance begins to play with the hackers, seeing his dream come true.

Five Easy Pieces

Rayette Dipesto

1970

A drop-out from upper-class America picks up work along the way on oil-rigs when his life isn't spent in a squalid succession of bars, motels, and other points of interest.

Family Plot

Fran

1976

Spiritualist Blanche Tyler and her cab-driving boyfriend encounter a pair of serial kidnappers while trailing a missing heir in California.

The Day of the Locust

Faye Greener

1975

Hollywood, 1930s. Tod Hackett, a young painter who tries to make his way as an art director in the lurid world of film industry, gets infatuated with his neighbor Faye Greener, an aspiring actress who prefers the life that Homer Simpson, a lone accountant, can offer her.

Production

Nashville

Music

1975

The intersecting stories of twenty-four characters—from country star to wannabe to reporter to waitress—connect to the music business in Nashville, Tennessee.