As a dedicated fan and follower of Lois Nettleton’s illustrious career, I find myself constantly captivated by her extraordinary journey through the world of entertainment. From her humble beginnings in Oak Park, Illinois to her triumphant performances on Broadway, television, and film, Lois’ talent and determination shone brighter than a cat on a hot tin roof!
Lois June Nettleton was an adaptable performer, gracing both big and small screens in American movies, plays, radio broadcasts, and TV programs. Her skillset earned her three Primetime Emmy Award nominations and two victories at the Daytime Emmy Awards, highlighting her exceptional talent.
Early Life & Education
Lois Nettleton hails from Oak Park, Illinois, born on August 16, 1927, to Virginia and Edward L. Nettleton. Growing up under the care of her maternal relatives, she attended Senn High School alongside Lee Stern in some of her classes.
Afterward, she continued her academic journey at the Goodman Theatre School, which is part of The Art Institute of Chicago. In the year 1948, she was titled as Miss Chicago, and she advanced to the final rounds of the Miss America beauty contest.
1946 saw her garner favorable critiques for her on-stage collaborations with Geraldine Page at the New Lake Zurich Playhouse during repertory performances. The subsequent year, she expanded her acting profession, first joining the Woodstock Players in 1949.
1949 saw her stepping into a supporting role in the Broadway play “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” where she stood ready to replace Barbara Bel Geddes. Additionally, she made an appearance on CBS’s Westinghouse Studio One, portraying a character in the production of “Flowers from a Stranger.
Lois Nettleton’s Career
Lois Nettleton frequently graced the screens of many television shows as a guest star, including “The Twilight Zone” (“The Midnight Sun”, 1961), “Naked City”, “Route 66”, “Mr. Novak”, “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” (“The Dark Pool”, 1963), “The Eleventh Hour”, “Hawaii Five-O”, “Dr. Kildare”, “Twelve O’Clock High”, “The Fugitive”, “The F.B.I.”, “Cannon”, “Bonanza”, “Gunsmoke”, “The Virginian”, and “Daniel Boone”.
In 1973, she made an appearance on The Mary Tyler Moore Show as the superior of Lou Grant. Two years after that, in the third season of the Kung Fu TV series (1972), she portrayed Delonia Cantrell in episodes titled “Barbary House” and “Flight To Orion”.
Additionally, she made an appearance in the inaugural episode of The Eddie Capra Mysteries back in 1978. Furthermore, her talents were showcased on well-known television series such as Washington: Beyond the White House and Centennial.
1987 saw Nettleton stepping into the character of Penny Vanderhof Sycamore for the TV version of the humorous stage play by Kaufman and Hart, “You Can’t Take It with You.” She shared the screen with Harry Morgan and Richard Sanders in this production.
Between the 1970s and 1991, Lois Nettleton made numerous appearances as a special guest star on various versions of the game show Pyramid. Over the course of her career, she received two Emmy Awards.
In 1977, she was praised for her depiction of Susan B. Anthony in the television film “Profiles in Courage: The American Woman.
She received a nomination for an Emmy Award, playing a guest role in the comedic TV show “Golden Girls,” specifically for the episode titled “Isn’t It Romantic?”.
Furthermore, she earned Emmy nominations for her portrayal in the TV film “Fear on Trial” (1975) as the Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Special, and for her role in the drama series “In the Heat of the Night” in 1989 as the Best Supporting Actress. Nettleton also appeared in a Christmas TV movie called “The Christmas Card” in 2006.
Lois Nettleton frequently graced the silver screen in Hollywood movies, earning notoriety from her debut significant role in the film “Period of Adjustment” (1962). This movie was an adaptation of a Tennessee Williams play, where she portrayed a troubled married woman.
Personal Life
Back in the day, I had the pleasure of connecting with Lois Nettleton over Jean Shepherd’s beloved late-night radio show on WOR. She was a cherished guest, earning the endearing nickname “the listener” from the audience. On December 3, 1960, we exchanged vows in Tarrytown, New York, but our union ended in a divorce six years later in 1967.
Death
In August 2007, Lois Nettleton made her last public appearance at a gathering for enthusiasts of The Twilight Zone in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. Regrettably, she passed away on January 18, 2008, at the age of 80 in Woodland Hills, California, following a battle with lung cancer.
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2024-10-10 14:24