Karen Tarleton's multifaceted career spans numerous mediums, including film, television, theater, voice-over work, and singing, with a presence in both the United States and Great Britain.
Born and raised in the Allegheny Mountains of northwestern Pennsylvania, Karen hails from a large family with a rich musical and artistic heritage. In the early 1970s, she set out for Los Angeles, where she spent several years as a production assistant and script supervisor on various projects, including game shows, TV specials, and variety shows in Los Angeles, Nashville, and Las Vegas.
With a wealth of experience behind the camera, Karen transitioned to in-front-of-the-camera work, landing a recurring role on General Hospital in 1980. This was followed by a recurring role on The Young and the Restless, and ultimately, a full-fledged career in television, film, and theater.
A long-time member of the West Coast Ensemble theater group, Karen has performed in numerous regional and Southern California venues, showcasing her versatility in both classical and contemporary productions. Her career took a transatlantic turn when she moved to England, becoming a member of British Equity, and worked for three years in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
Upon her return to the United States, Karen continued to work steadily in film, television, theater, commercials, voice-overs, and singing, both secular and liturgical. Her impressive résumé includes a long history of membership in SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association, dating back to 1980.
In addition to her acting career, Karen is also an educator, having taught for many years at Loyola Marymount University in Theater Arts, as well as at Jeff Alan Lee's Young Actors Studio. Her affiliations with the Los Angeles Classical Theatre Lab and the Writers and Actors Lab have endured for over 30 years.
