Carol Lou Nugent, born on July 7, 1937, in Los Angeles, California, is the elder daughter of Lucille Nugent, a talented talent agent who managed the careers of Carol and her younger sister Judy Nugent, and Carl Nugent, a property master for MGM.
Growing up, Nugent was exposed to the world of entertainment, which would later play a significant role in her own career. Her mother's expertise and connections in the industry paved the way for Carol to start her acting journey at a young age.
As a child actress, Nugent appeared in an impressive number of feature films and television programs throughout the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Her early start in the industry set the stage for a promising career that would span decades.
In 1959, Nugent tied the knot with actor Nick Adams, a union that was widely publicized in the media. Unfortunately, their marriage was cut short when Adams passed away in 1968, leaving Nugent to navigate the challenges of life as a widow.