Ellen Ware Geer is a remarkably talented and versatile American artist, born on August 29, 1941, who has had the privilege of enjoying a long and illustrious career in the entertainment industry, spanning numerous decades. Her remarkable journey in the entertainment world commenced in the late 1960s, when she made her film debut as a nun in the drama film Petulia, masterfully directed by the renowned Richard Lester. Geer's early work also featured a notable appearance alongside her father, the esteemed Will Geer, in the 1969 film The Reivers, showcasing her remarkable acting abilities and her unique ability to share the screen with her loved ones.
In the year 1971, a pivotal moment occurred in the life of the talented actress, Barbara Harris Geer, as she embarked on a new acting venture, assuming the role of the deceased wife of the lead character in the movie Kotch. This significant role not only showcased her acting prowess but also provided an opportunity for her to delve into the complexities of her character, bringing a depth and nuance to the film. Throughout the movie, Geer's presence was felt through her appearances in flashbacks, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
In addition to her work on the big screen, Geer also made a name for herself in the world of television, joining the cast of the popular series The Jimmy Stewart Show in 1971. Her presence on the show was a regular occurrence, with her character becoming an integral part of the ensemble. Unfortunately, her time on the show was limited, as it only aired for one more year, concluding in 1972.
Geer's performance in the acclaimed comedy Harold and Maude further solidified her reputation as a talented and versatile actress. Her supporting role in the film showcased her ability to adapt to a wide range of characters and genres, cementing her status as a talented thespian.
From the 1970s onwards, Geer's professional trajectory was marked by a steady stream of guest appearances and made-for-television movies, which served as a catalyst for her continued growth and success in the entertainment industry.
Throughout this period, Geer's television credits were punctuated by a diverse array of notable performances on popular and critically acclaimed shows, including but not limited to:
• Police Story, a crime drama that explored the gritty realities of law enforcement
• The Streets of San Francisco, a police procedural that followed the cases of two San Francisco detectives
• Baretta, a crime drama that centered on the investigations of a wisecracking detective
• Barnaby Jones, a crime drama that revolved around the cases of a private investigator
• Charlie's Angels, a classic crime comedy that followed the adventures of three female private investigators
• CHiPs, a police procedural that explored the lives and cases of two California Highway Patrol officers
• Fantasy Island, a science fiction anthology series that featured a diverse range of stories and characters
In addition to her television work, Geer also starred in a number of television movies during this period, including:
• Babe, a drama that explored the life and times of a young woman who becomes a prizefighter
• The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case, a historical drama that retold the infamous story of the Lindbergh baby's kidnapping
• The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald, a drama that reenacted the events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy
• A Shining Season, a drama that explored the life and times of a high school basketball coach
Notable among Geer's professional endeavors during the late 1970s was a memorable theatrical film appearance in Jonathan Kaplan's critically acclaimed 1979 release, Over the Edge. This significant milestone marked a turning point in her career, paving the way for a wide range of television credits that would follow in the years to come.
Some of the most notable of these television appearances include guest roles on the iconic science fiction series Star Trek: The Next Generation, the classic family drama The Waltons, the crime drama Quincy, M.E., the popular prime-time soap opera Dallas, the legal drama The Practice, the crime investigation series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, the medical drama ER, the police procedural drama NYPD Blue, and the crime drama Cold Case.
In addition to these guest appearances, Geer also had the opportunity to take on recurring roles on the popular primetime soap opera Falcon Crest and the romantic drama series Beauty and the Beast.
Notably, Geer's professional pursuits extend beyond the realm of acting, as she has held the esteemed position of Artistic Director of the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, a renowned professional repertory, open-air theater situated in the picturesque Topanga Canyon, California, since 1978. Furthermore, she has shared her expertise in the field of acting by serving as a Visiting Associate Professor at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles School of Theater for a duration of 12 years.
Notable among her most recent appearances is her striking portrayal of future Piper Halliwell in the series finale of the esteemed WB series Charmed. Moreover, in October 2007, Geer made a brief yet memorable return to the popular television series Desperate Housewives. Throughout her illustrious and far-reaching career, Geer has consistently showcased her remarkable talent, versatility, and range as an actress, director, and professor, ultimately leaving an enduring and profound impact on the entertainment industry.
