Deanna Lund is a renowned actress, best recognized for her pivotal role as Valerie Scott in the cult classic television series Land of the Giants, which aired from 1968 to 1970. Irwin Allen, the show's producer, discovered Lund while reviewing her performance in a recent motion picture, and subsequently cast her in the series.
Initially, Lund portrayed the character of Valerie as the "bad girl" of the show, frequently getting herself and others into trouble as she searched for sustenance in the giant world. In one notable episode, The Bounty Hunter, Lund's character attempted to instigate a mutiny within the castaway group.
As the series progressed, Valerie's character evolved, and she became a more cooperative and integral member of the group. One of Lund's most memorable lines in the series was delivered in the episode Wild Journey, where she confidently asserts to the show's star, "Captain, nobody tells me what I can and can't do."
In 1995, Lund participated in an interview about her time on Land of the Giants, which is included on the DVD set of the series. During the interview, she candidly discussed her experiences, revealing that she often felt silly acting in the show, as she would frequently converse with actors who were not physically present on set. This resulted in her speaking to empty space, which she found amusing.
Lund's character, Valerie, was also known for her stylish and provocative wardrobe choices, which captivated the attention of young male viewers during the show's run. In one episode, Graveyard of Fools, Lund's character wore an outfit that was deemed too revealing by the network, leading to some censorship.
Throughout her time on Land of the Giants, Deanna Lund brought a unique blend of sass, charm, and vulnerability to her portrayal of Valerie Scott, leaving a lasting impression on fans of the show.
