Kathleen Crowley, a former Miss New Jersey and a star of several low-budget horror movies in the 1950s, died on April 23, 2017, at her home in Green Bank, New Jersey. She was 87 years old. The cause of her death was not disclosed, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, she died of a non-communicable disease.
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A Beauty Queen Turned Actress
Crowley was born on December 26, 1929, in the Green Bank section of Washington Township, New Jersey. She graduated from Egg Harbor City High School in 1946 and won the title of Miss New Jersey in 1949. She competed in the Miss America pageant that year and finished in seventh place. She also won the Miss Congeniality award and a scholarship to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
Crowley made her acting debut in 1951, appearing in two live TV productions for NBC: A Star Is Born and Jane Eyre. She then signed a contract with Warner Bros. and appeared in several movies and TV shows produced by the studio. Some of her notable films include Target Earth (1954), The Flame Barrier (1958), and Curse of the Undead (1959), all of which were science fiction and horror movies.
A Frequent Guest Star on Television
Crowley also made a name for herself as a guest star on many popular TV shows in the 1950s and 1960s. She appeared on eight episodes of Maverick, six of 77 Sunset Strip, two of Batman, and one each of Perry Mason, Bonanza, My Three Sons, Family Affair, and many others. She often played glamorous and adventurous roles, such as a socialite, a spy, a detective, or a femme fatale.
Crowley once said that she preferred doing guest roles rather than being tied to a series. She turned down offers to play the wife on Hazel and Mr. Ed, saying that she wanted to do more challenging and exciting parts. She also said that she enjoyed working with different actors and directors on different sets.
A Retired Actress and a Devoted Mother
Crowley retired from acting in 1970, after appearing in Downhill Racer with Robert Redford. She married John Rubsam, a businessman, in 1969 and had one son with him. She lived in Green Bank for the rest of her life, where she was involved in local charities and community activities. She also remained close to her fans and attended several conventions and reunions related to her movies and TV shows.
Crowley was remembered by her family and friends as a beautiful, talented, and generous person who loved life and had a great sense of humor. She was also praised by her co-stars and colleagues as a professional and versatile actress who could handle any genre and role. She left behind a legacy of memorable performances that entertained millions of viewers for decades.
