Caitlin Clarke was an American theater and film actress who rose to fame for her role as Valerian in the 1981 fantasy film Dragonslayer. She also starred as Charlotte Cardoza in the 1998–1999 Broadway musical Titanic. Clarke was a versatile and talented performer who had a successful career in both stage and screen. However, her life was cut short by ovarian cancer, a disease that affects thousands of women every year. In this article, we will explore Caitlin Clarke’s cause of death, her battle with ovarian cancer, and her legacy as an actress.
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What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries, the female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones. Ovarian cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, pelvis, or lungs. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and nonspecific, making it hard to detect in its early stages. Some of the common signs and symptoms include:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Changes in bowel habits
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Menstrual changes
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
The exact causes of ovarian cancer are not known, but some factors that may increase the risk include:
- Age: Ovarian cancer is more common in older women, especially after menopause.
- Family history: Having a close relative with ovarian cancer or breast cancer may increase the risk.
- Genetic mutations: Having inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 can increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancers.
- Hormone therapy: Using estrogen-only hormone therapy after menopause may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Fertility drugs: Using fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Endometriosis: Having a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
The diagnosis of ovarian cancer is usually made by a combination of physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, and biopsy. The treatment options depend on the stage and type of ovarian cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. The main treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Caitlin Clarke’s Battle with Ovarian Cancer
Caitlin Clarke was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2000, when she was 48 years old. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy to treat her disease. She continued to work as an actress and a teacher during her treatment. She returned to Broadway as Charlotte Cardoza in Titanic: A New Musical in 1998. She also taught theater at the University of Pittsburgh and at the Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s Rauh Conservatory. She performed in several plays in Pittsburgh, such as The Gigli Concert and Aristocrats.
Clarke fought bravely against her cancer for over four years. However, she succumbed to the disease on September 9, 2004, at the age of 52. She died at her home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. She was survived by her parents, four sisters, and many friends and colleagues.
Caitlin Clarke’s Legacy as an Actress
Caitlin Clarke was a remarkable actress who left a lasting impression on her audiences and peers. She was praised for her versatility, intelligence, charisma, and beauty. She had a wide range of roles in theater, film, and television. Some of her notable works include:
- Dragonslayer (1981): Clarke played Valerian, a young woman who disguises herself as a boy to avoid being sacrificed to a dragon. She was cast by director Matthew Robbins after auditioning with over 300 actresses. She received positive reviews for her performance and was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Actress.
- Crocodile Dundee (1986): Clarke played Simone, a friendly prostitute who befriends Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan) in New York City. She had a memorable scene where she teaches him how to use a bidet.
- Penn & Teller Get Killed (1989): Clarke played Carlotta / Officer McNamara, a mysterious woman who pursues Penn & Teller (Penn Jillette and Teller), two magicians who fake their own deaths. She had a dual role as a femme fatale and a police officer.
- Titanic: A New Musical (1998–1999): Clarke played Charlotte Cardoza, a wealthy and flamboyant passenger on the doomed ship. She sang the songs “Dressed in Your Pyjamas in the Grand Salon” and “The Blame” with the ensemble. She was part of the original Broadway cast that won the Tony Award for Best Musical.
Clarke was also a respected theater actress who appeared in many Broadway and Off-Broadway plays, such as The Marriage of Figaro, Arms and the Man, Strange Interlude, Total Eclipse, Quartermaine’s Terms, Three Birds Alighting On A Field, and Unexpected Tenderness. She also performed in regional theaters across the country, such as Yale Repertory Theater, Arena Stage, Goodman Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Long Wharf Theatre, Center Stage, Portland Stage Company, and City Theatre.
Clarke was admired by her fellow actors and directors for her talent, professionalism, and generosity. She was described as a “wonderful actress and a wonderful person” by Matthew Robbins, a “beautiful soul” by Paul Hogan, and a “great lady” by Maury Yeston. She inspired many students and young actors with her passion and dedication to her craft.
Caitlin Clarke was a brilliant actress who left behind a rich legacy of work and a loving memory of her spirit. She was taken away too soon by ovarian cancer, a disease that affects many women around the world. Her story reminds us of the importance of raising awareness and finding a cure for this deadly disease.
