Beth Brickell embarked on a remarkable journey in the film industry, initially pursuing her passion for acting, where she received rigorous training in New York under the esteemed guidance of Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg. Her impressive academic credentials earned her a coveted spot at the prestigious Actors Studio, a legendary institution renowned for its rigorous training programs.
Throughout her illustrious career, Brickell showcased her exceptional talent in numerous leading roles across over 25 stage productions, both within and beyond the city limits. Some of her most notable performances include starring alongside the illustrious Jean Stapleton in the captivating "Thurber Carnival", sharing the spotlight with the talented Bill Macy in the comedic "Room Service", and bringing to life the charismatic Walter Pidgeon in the captivating "Take Her, She's Mine".
Noted actress made the transition to Hollywood, where she landed a starring role in the highly acclaimed CBS series Gentle Ben, opposite the renowned Dennis Weaver, for a duration of two seasons, starting from 1967.
Subsequently, she went on to appear in an impressive array of over 100 television shows and movies, garnering Emmy recognition for her outstanding performances in guest roles on the iconic Bonanza, which originally aired from 1959, and the popular Hawaii Five-O, which premiered in 1968.
In addition to her extensive work in television, she also appeared in a variety of film roles, including the critically acclaimed Posse, which featured an all-star cast including Kirk Douglas and Bruce Dern, released in 1975.
Furthermore, she appeared in the 1977 thriller Death Game, alongside the talented Sondra Locke and Seymour Cassel, and in the 1972 drama The Only Way Home, starring alongside the accomplished Bo Hopkins.
Noted film acting instructor for a span of three years at the esteemed Lee Strasberg Institute, with locations in both New York and Los Angeles, she fostered a growing passion for the art of directing. Ultimately, she decided to put her own acting career on hold to pursue a prestigious Director Fellowship at the renowned American Film Institute in Los Angeles, where she went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in film directing and screenwriting.
Beth has had a prolific career in the film industry, having written, produced, and/or directed a multitude of movies over the years.
One of her most notable works is A Rainy Day, a 1979 film that she wrote, produced, and directed, starring Mariette Hartley and Tracey Gold. This cinematic masterpiece received widespread critical acclaim, earning seven top festival awards, including First Place at the prestigious USA Film Festival in Dallas. The film's success was further solidified by its broadcast on PBS, a testament to its enduring appeal.
In 1985, Beth wrote, produced, and directed Summer's End, a film that would go on to win an impressive 16 film festival awards. Among its many accolades, it received a Blue Ribbon at the American Film & Video Festival in New York, a Gold Plaque at the Chicago International Film Festival, and Second Place at the esteemed San Francisco International Film Festival. The film's impressive run was capped off by its broadcast on a variety of popular networks, including Showtime, A&E, Nickelodeon, and PBS.
Decades later, Beth would once again demonstrate her versatility and skill as a filmmaker with the 2004 release of Mr. Christmas. This heartwarming holiday film, which she wrote, produced, and directed, would go on to receive the coveted "Best Family Film" award at the Hollywood Moondance International Film Festival. Additionally, it would earn the "Award of Excellence" from the Film Advisory Board of Los Angeles, a testament to its high production values and engaging storytelling. The film's warmth and charm would ultimately lead to its broadcast on PBS, where it continues to delight audiences to this day.
Beth, a highly accomplished television director, has left an indelible mark on the industry with her impressive body of work. Her expertise has been showcased in episodes of the iconic CBS series Knots Landing, which first premiered in 1979.
In addition to her work on Knots Landing, Beth has also directed two dramas that have garnered significant attention. Little Boy Blue, released in 1975, starred the talented Chynna Phillips and Robert Walden, and showcased Beth's ability to bring complex characters to life.
Furthermore, Beth has demonstrated her versatility as a director by taking on a wide range of projects. To Tell the Truth, a 1987 drama, is a testament to her skill in crafting engaging narratives that captivate audiences.
Beth's impressive portfolio also includes developing the story for a CBS movie, "A Family Matter," which highlights her ability to create compelling characters and storylines. Moreover, she has also developed a miniseries for PBS, "Susan B.," which tells the powerful story of Susan B. Anthony and the women's suffrage movement.
Beth's academic background is rooted in the University of Arkansas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, laying the foundation for her future endeavors in state and national politics.
Her early career took off in 1988 when she joined the Michael Dukakis for President campaign as a Field Organizer. In this role, she oversaw and coordinated the efforts of approximately 500 volunteers, tasked with mobilizing voters in 50 Beverly Hills precincts. Her leadership and organizational skills played a pivotal role in the campaign's success.
In 1992, Beth took on an even more significant challenge, spearheading a project that raised a substantial $250,000 for the presidential campaign of Bill Clinton. Concurrently, she managed the congressional primary campaign for Blanche Lincoln, who was facing off against a 26-year incumbent in Arkansas. Despite the odds, Lincoln emerged victorious in both the primary and the general election, earning her a seat as a US Senator from Arkansas.
Another fascinating pursuit, newspaper writing, led to the creation of an extensive 18-article front-page investigative series, published in the renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning "Arkansas Gazette" based in Little Rock. This remarkable series, aptly titled "Mystery at Camden", meticulously uncovered a profound motive behind the enigmatic disappearance and subsequent murder of attorney Maud Crawford, a former associate of the esteemed US Senator John L. McClennan, which occurred in the small town of Camden, Arkansas, in the year 1957.
Beth has been actively involved in various civic endeavors, occupying the esteemed position of Chair of the Director's Guild of America (DGA) Women's Steering Committee, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's initiatives and goals.
In addition to her work with the DGA Women's Steering Committee, Beth has also served as a member of the DGA Special Projects Committee, lending her expertise and insights to the development of innovative projects and programs.
Furthermore, Beth has been a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for Women in Film, a prestigious organization that aims to promote and empower women in the film industry. Her involvement with Women in Film has allowed her to contribute to the advancement of women's roles and opportunities in the industry.
Beth has also had the distinction of serving on the Emmy Awards Panel for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, where she has brought her expertise and knowledge to the evaluation and selection process of the prestigious Emmy Awards.
In her capacity as a member of the Actors Studio-West Executive Steering Committee, Beth has played a key role in shaping the direction and strategy of the organization, which is dedicated to fostering the artistic growth and development of its members.
Lastly, Beth has been a valued member of the Screening Committee for the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, where she has brought her keen eye and expertise to the selection and evaluation of documentaries and other films showcased at the festival.
Noted thespian, renowned for her impressive body of work, has been bestowed the esteemed honor of membership in the prestigious Southwest Theater Association Hall of Fame, a testament to her remarkable contributions to the world of performing arts.
She allocates her time and resources in a manner that allows her to maintain a dual residency, with a primary abode situated in the affluent and celebrity-studded community of Beverly Hills, California, and a secondary residence located on a sprawling 103-acre rural retreat situated west of Little Rock, the capital city of Arkansas.
