After landing roles in smaller films like the Robert Zemeckis ensemble, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Brian De Palma's, Home Movies and Defiance with Jan-Michael Vincent, Theresa Saldana was finally cast in her first real A-list movie, playing Joe Pesci's wife in the Martin Scorsese boxing classic, Raging Bull.
That movie should have put her at the front of the line of up-and-coming actresses. Instead, she caught the eye of a crazed fan who seriously wounded her in a vicious attack outside her home. She survived, but her career suddenly took a different path.
After a long recovery process, Theresa Saldana returned to acting, but mainly in forgettable episodes of television shows like T.J. Hooker and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. She eventually bounced back and became a series regular on the popular show, The Commish, where she received a Golden Globe nomination. More importantly, though, she became an advocate for victims of stalking and brought awareness and help to victims of these crimes.
Theresa Saldana was charming in I Wanna Hold Your Hand and showed real star potential in Raging Bull, but her path took a different turn. And while we'll never know what could have been, the challenges that she overcame should be an inspiration to anyone who takes each day for granted. And a wake up call to what is really important in life.
That movie should have put her at the front of the line of up-and-coming actresses. Instead, she caught the eye of a crazed fan who seriously wounded her in a vicious attack outside her home. She survived, but her career suddenly took a different path.
After a long recovery process, Theresa Saldana returned to acting, but mainly in forgettable episodes of television shows like T.J. Hooker and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. She eventually bounced back and became a series regular on the popular show, The Commish, where she received a Golden Globe nomination. More importantly, though, she became an advocate for victims of stalking and brought awareness and help to victims of these crimes.
Theresa Saldana was charming in I Wanna Hold Your Hand and showed real star potential in Raging Bull, but her path took a different turn. And while we'll never know what could have been, the challenges that she overcame should be an inspiration to anyone who takes each day for granted. And a wake up call to what is really important in life.
ADDENDUM
Sadly, Theresa Saldana died of pneumonia on June 6, 2016 at the young age of 61. While her talents may have been overlooked by the mainstream crowd, her strength and courage stood firmly front and center.
She has been an inspiration to me for decades. It is so true that she never received the acclaim she deserved.
ReplyDeleteLacey B.
There is much bigger hero than Jeffrey Fenn, a man who saved Theresa Saldana: Ambers O'Neal "Troy" Shewmaker/Cansler. Troy saved a woman but he was stabbed to death, and he died a hero.
ReplyDeleteMore about Ambers O'Neal "Troy" Shewmaker/Cansler:
ReplyDeleteTroy was the son of the California Highway Patrol Officer who died in the line of duty.
Ambers O'Neal "Troy" Shewmaker/Cansler possibly died with his Western boots on.
ReplyDeleteNow there is a much bigger hero than Jeffrey Fenn: George A. Heath. Heath saved a woman but he was stabbed to death but God took him. Heath was cremated without any honors, service, or attendance. Heath would have said, "I want to be cremated. There will be no services." It is terrible because it is without a chance of saying goodbye. Well done, George. Rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteThere is a bigger hero than that: Emory Eli Huyck. Huyck gave his life saving others and eight days after, the Model T Ford ceased production.
ReplyDeleteThomas Lloyd Yoxall, shot the bad guy dead and saved Edward Andersson, a man of Swedish-origin. Well done, Tom.
ReplyDeleteThink of a good Arthur: Arthur Lee Daniels. Daniels gave his life saving his boss in what is now the Joshua Humphreys Building.
ReplyDeleteThere is another hero: Gerald Eugene Read. Read gave his life saving a woman and he is of Ulster Scot origin. Well done, Jerry. Rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteTo all of you Anonymous posters - there are many hero's in this world and I am grateful for them, but this blog post is about Theresa Saldana.
ReplyDeleteOkay. Theresa Saldana went Home to be with the Lord on June 6, 2016. Well done, Theresa. Rest in peace. God bless.
ReplyDelete