Carroll Baker

Born:28 maggio 1931

Place of Birth:Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

Carroll Baker, born on May 28, 1931, is an American actress known for her versatility in portraying serious dramatic roles and captivating audiences as a movie sex symbol during the 1960s. Her journey into the world of acting began with formal training under the legendary Lee Strasberg at the prestigious Actors Studio. In 1954, Baker transitioned to Broadway, showcasing her talent and catching the eye of director Elia Kazan, who later cast her as the lead in the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams' plays, resulting in her breakthrough role in "Baby Doll" (1956).

During the mid-1960s, Carroll Baker's career soared as she became a sought-after contract player for Paramount Pictures. It was her portrayal of a hedonistic widow in "The Carpetbaggers" (1964) that solidified her status as a sex symbol. Following this success, she took on the challenging role of Jean Harlow in the biopic "Harlow" (1965), although the film faced critical backlash. This period marked a turning point for Baker, leading her to relocate to Italy in 1966 due to contractual disputes and seeking new opportunities in European cinema.

In Europe, Carroll Baker embraced a different genre, starring in a series of hard-edged giallo and horror films that showcased her range as an actress. Collaborating with acclaimed directors like Romolo Guerrieri and Umberto Lenzi, she delivered memorable performances in films such as "The Sweet Body of Deborah" (1968) and "Knife of Ice" (1972). Her foray into European cinema culminated with her role in Corrado Farina's "Baba Yaga" (1973), showcasing her ability to adapt to diverse roles and genres.

Returning to the American film scene in the 1980s, Baker continued to display her acting prowess in supporting roles in acclaimed dramas like "Star 80" (1983) and "Native Son" (1986). Her portrayal as the mother of murder victim Dorothy Stratten in "Star 80" earned her critical acclaim, demonstrating her enduring talent and versatility as an actress. Throughout the 1990s, Baker made guest appearances in popular television series, further cementing her legacy in the entertainment industry.

Carroll Baker's illustrious career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both American and European cinema. Her decision to retire from acting in 2003 marked the end of a remarkable journey filled with diverse roles, critical acclaim, and a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Baker's legacy as a versatile actress who fearlessly embraced challenging roles continues to inspire generations of performers and cinephiles alike.

Images

Filmografia

Recitazione

The Game

Ilsa

1997

In honor of his birthday, San Francisco banker Nicholas Van Orton, a financial genius and a cold-hearted loner, receives an unusual present from his younger brother, Conrad: a gift certificate to play a unique kind of game. In nary a nanosecond, Nicholas finds himself consumed by a dangerous set of ever-changing rules, unable to distinguish where the charade ends and reality begins.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

Veronica

1965

From his birth in Bethlehem to his death and eventual resurrection, the life of Jesus Christ is given the all-star treatment in this epic retelling. Major aspects of Christ's life are touched upon, including the execution of all the newborn males in Egypt by King Herod; Christ's baptism by John the Baptist; and the betrayal by Judas after the Last Supper that eventually leads to Christ's crucifixion and miraculous return.

Giant

Luz Benedict II

1956

Wealthy rancher Bick Benedict and dirt-poor cowboy Jett Rink both woo Leslie Lynnton, a beautiful young woman from Maryland who is new to Texas. She marries Benedict, but she is shocked by the racial bigotry of the White Texans against the local people of Mexican descent. Rink discovers oil on a small plot of land, and while he uses his vast, new wealth to buy all the land surrounding the Benedict ranch, the Benedict's disagreement over prejudice fuels conflict that runs across generations.

The Big Country

Patricia Terrill

1958

Retired wealthy sea captain Jim McKay arrives in the Old West, where he becomes embroiled in a feud between his future father-in-law, Major Terrill, and the rough and lawless Hannasseys over a valuable patch of land.

Kindergarten Cop

Eleanor Crisp

1990

Hard-edged cop John Kimble gets more than he bargained for when he goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to get the goods on a brutal drug lord while at the same time protecting the man's young son. Pitted against a class of boisterous moppets whose antics try his patience and test his mettle, Kimble may have met his match … in more ways than one.

How the West Was Won

Eve Prescott Rawlings

1962

The epic tale of the development of the American West from the 1830s through the Civil War to the end of the century, as seen through the eyes of one pioneer family.

Ironweed

Annie Phelan

1987

An alcoholic drifter spends Halloween in his hometown of Albany, New York after returning there for the first time in decades.

Star 80

Dorothy's Mum

1983

Paul Snider is a narcissistic, small time hustler who fancies himself a ladies man. His life changes when he meets Dorothy Stratten working behind the counter of a Dairy Queen. Under his guidance Dorothy grows to fame as a Playboy Playmate. But when Dorothy begins pursuing an acting career, the jealous Paul finds himself elbowed out of the picture by more famous men.