Younger audiences will recognize Jessica Walter as Lucille Bluth from the short-lived, but very popular television comedy Arrested Development. Few realize, though, how close she came to super stardom back in 1971 co-staring with Clint Eastwood in his directorial debut, Play Misty For Me.
Her performance as the obsessively dangerous fan not only set the stage for Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, but also gave Jessica Walter a much deserved Golden Globe nomination.
Her career to that point had been guest starring roles in television with an outstanding performance as Lorna Richmond in the Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode, The Ordeal of Mrs. Snow. After Play Misty For Me, one would have thought that the motion picture industry would be calling, but instead she landed back on television guest starring in everything from Mannix to Joanie Loves Chachi. Today she's still doing wonderful work in television as the voice of Mallory Archer in the hit animated show Archer.
As to why she wasn't offered more quality roles in movies after Play Misty For Me, one can only speculate. Could it be because her frightening performance was so ahead its time that narrow minded Hollywood didn't have the imagination or courage to consider her for other films? We will never know. The only thing for sure is that Jessica Walter is Not Very Famous...but should be.
Her performance as the obsessively dangerous fan not only set the stage for Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, but also gave Jessica Walter a much deserved Golden Globe nomination.
Her career to that point had been guest starring roles in television with an outstanding performance as Lorna Richmond in the Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode, The Ordeal of Mrs. Snow. After Play Misty For Me, one would have thought that the motion picture industry would be calling, but instead she landed back on television guest starring in everything from Mannix to Joanie Loves Chachi. Today she's still doing wonderful work in television as the voice of Mallory Archer in the hit animated show Archer.
As to why she wasn't offered more quality roles in movies after Play Misty For Me, one can only speculate. Could it be because her frightening performance was so ahead its time that narrow minded Hollywood didn't have the imagination or courage to consider her for other films? We will never know. The only thing for sure is that Jessica Walter is Not Very Famous...but should be.
ADDENDUM
Jessica Walter passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. She was a true working actress, giving her best in every role she played. This fine performer will be missed.
