Loretta King
Actor
About Loretta King
Loretta King was an American actress whose brief film career is primarily remembered for her starring role in Ed Wood's notorious cult classic 'Bride of the Monster' (1955). She was reportedly discovered by Wood while working as a secretary, and he cast her in the lead female role of Janet Lawton, a newspaper reporter investigating mysterious disappearances. Her performance in the film, while not critically acclaimed, has become part of cinema history due to the film's legendary status as one of the worst movies ever made. Following her appearance in Wood's film, she virtually disappeared from the entertainment industry, with 'Bride of the Monster' remaining her only credited film role. Despite the film's poor reception and her limited screen time, King's involvement in this piece of cult cinema history has ensured her a permanent place in film scholarship. Her career represents the fleeting nature of Hollywood opportunities for many aspiring actors during the 1950s, where one film role could be both a beginning and an end.
The Craft
On Screen
Limited evidence suggests a straightforward, dramatic approach typical of B-movie actresses of the 1950s, with emphasis on clear delivery and conventional emotional responses appropriate for the horror genre
Milestones
- Starred as Janet Lawton in Ed Wood's 'Bride of the Monster' (1955)
- Became part of cult cinema history through her association with director Ed Wood
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Immortalized in cult cinema history through 'Bride of the Monster'
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Loretta King's cultural impact derives almost entirely from her participation in what would become one of cinema's most infamous 'bad movies.' Her role in 'Bride of the Monster' has made her a footnote in film history, studied by scholars and enthusiasts of cult cinema. The film's legendary status, cemented by its inclusion in the book 'The Golden Turkey Awards' and later documentaries about Ed Wood, has ensured that King's performance continues to be viewed and discussed decades after its release. Her story represents the thousands of aspiring actors whose Hollywood dreams resulted in only fleeting screen time but lasting cultural significance through their association with cult classics.
Lasting Legacy
Loretta King's legacy is intrinsically tied to the Ed Wood phenomenon and the appreciation of 'so bad it's good' cinema. While she never achieved mainstream success or recognition during her lifetime, her performance in 'Bride of the Monster' has been preserved and celebrated through home video releases, television broadcasts, and film festivals dedicated to cult movies. Her story serves as an example of how even the briefest film careers can achieve immortality through the cultural reassessment of once-maligned works. The continued interest in Ed Wood's filmography has ensured that new generations of film enthusiasts discover King's work, maintaining her place in the pantheon of cult cinema figures.
Who They Inspired
As an actress with only one credited role, Loretta King's direct influence on other performers is minimal. However, her participation in 'Bride of the Monster' has contributed to the broader cultural understanding of how B-movies and cult films can achieve lasting significance. Her career trajectory has become a case study in the unpredictable nature of Hollywood fame, where a single role in a critically panned film can lead to greater long-term recognition than many acclaimed performances in forgotten films.
Off Screen
Very little is publicly documented about Loretta King's personal life beyond her brief film career. She reportedly was working as a secretary when discovered by Ed Wood, suggesting she was pursuing conventional employment before her brief foray into acting. After her single film role, she appears to have returned to private life, with no further public appearances or entertainment industry involvement documented.
Did You Know?
- Reportedly worked as a secretary before being discovered by Ed Wood
- Her role in 'Bride of the Monster' was originally intended for a more established actress
- The film was one of Bela Lugosi's last completed performances before his death
- Her character Janet Lawton was a newspaper reporter investigating disappearances
- The film featured an infamous giant octopus scene that became a cult classic moment
- Despite the film's poor reputation, it has been preserved by the Library of Congress
- Her performance has been analyzed in numerous books about cult and bad cinema
- The film was later featured in Tim Burton's 'Ed Wood' (1994), though her character was portrayed by someone else
- Her brief career represents the typical trajectory of many B-movie actresses of the era
- The film's budget was so low that many props and effects were visibly inadequate
In Their Own Words
There are no documented famous quotes from Loretta King, as her career consisted of only one film role with limited public appearances or interviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Loretta King?
Loretta King was an American actress best known for her starring role as Janet Lawton in Ed Wood's 1955 cult classic 'Bride of the Monster.' Her film career was extremely brief, consisting primarily of this single role, which has nonetheless secured her a permanent place in cinema history as part of one of the most infamous films ever made.
What films is Loretta King best known for?
Loretta King is exclusively known for her role in 'Bride of the Monster' (1955), directed by Ed Wood and starring Bela Lugosi. This film represents her entire credited filmography and has become a cult classic, ensuring her lasting recognition despite her brief career.
When was Loretta King born and when did she die?
Loretta King was born in 1931 in the United States. Her death date is not publicly documented, suggesting she may still be living or has maintained privacy about her later life, which is common for actors who left the industry early.
What awards did Loretta King win?
Loretta King did not receive any formal awards or nominations during her brief acting career. However, her participation in 'Bride of the Monster' has earned her a form of cultural recognition through the film's status as a cult classic and its preservation in film history.
What was Loretta King's acting style?
Based on her single known performance in 'Bride of the Monster,' Loretta King's acting style was typical of B-movie actresses of the 1950s, featuring straightforward dramatic delivery and conventional emotional responses appropriate for the horror genre. Her performance, while not critically acclaimed, effectively served the narrative needs of Ed Wood's low-budget production.
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Films
1 film
