Lana Clarkson, a stunning, tall, and blonde actress, was renowned for her exceptional acting skills, intelligence, and dependability. She effortlessly showcased her comedic talents, making her a beloved figure in the American television scene of the 1970s and 1980s. Clarkson's impressive resume boasted appearances in numerous iconic TV shows, including Three's Company (1976),The Jeffersons (1975),The New Mike Hammer (1984),Riptide (1984),Knight Rider (1982),Who's the Boss? (1984),The A-Team (1983),Night Court (1984),Wings (1990),and Silk Stalkings (1991),among many others.
Clarkson's big-screen debut occurred in the 1982 Amy Heckerling film Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982),where she played the character Mrs. Vargas alongside Sean Penn and Jennifer Jason Leigh. This was followed by a role in Roger Corman's fantasy epic Deathstalker (1983),which led to her being offered the title role in Corman's next film, the cult classic Barbarian Queen (1985). Clarkson's association with Corman, a legendary figure in the film industry, significantly contributed to her rise to fame in the B-movie world.
Clarkson reprised her role as the sword-wielding lead in the sequel Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back (1990),cementing her status as a cult icon. Her larger-than-life personality, striking beauty, and thought-provoking movie choices inspired a devoted fan base. Clarkson's work in the John Landis spoof Amazon Women on the Moon (1987) further solidified her connection with her loyal fans, who adored her at comic book conventions, where she would gladly sign autographs and engage with her admirers of all ages.
In addition to her film work, Clarkson also ventured into stunt work, appearing in Retroactive (1997). Her final film was March (2001),where she played Dr. Ellen Taylor. Although she did not appear in many movies towards the end of her life, Clarkson found success in television commercials, working with prominent brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Nike, Anheiser Busch, Playtex bras, Kmart, and Mattel. She created comedic characters for these companies, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
During her time working for the KMART Corp., Clarkson made personal appearances as the character she created for the Route 66 clothing campaign, Katie Earline Wilson. Clarkson's life was tragically cut short, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional acting talent and a multitude of memorable performances.
