Pia Zadora
Actor
About Pia Zadora
Pia Zadora began her career as a child actress, making her film debut at age 10 in the cult classic 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964) as Girmar, one of the Martian children. After this early start, she stepped away from acting for over a decade to focus on her education and musical training. She returned to entertainment in the 1980s with the controversial film 'Butterfly' (1982), which starred her in the lead role and was financed by her wealthy husband. The film was critically panned but earned her a Golden Globe Award (in the now-defunct New Star of the Year category), sparking accusations that the award was purchased. Throughout the 1980s, she pursued a dual career as both an actress and recording artist, releasing several albums and singles. Her career was marked by controversy and media scrutiny regarding her talent and the influence of her husband's wealth in advancing her career. By the 1990s, she had largely retreated from mainstream entertainment, though she continued occasional performances and appearances.
The Craft
On Screen
As a child actress, Zadora displayed natural enthusiasm and charm typical of young performers in family films. In her adult career, her acting style was often criticized as overly dramatic and lacking subtlety, with performances that tended toward melodramatic expression. Her approach was heavily influenced by theatrical techniques rather than naturalistic film acting.
Milestones
- Child role in 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964)
- Lead role in 'Butterfly' (1982)
- Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year (1982)
- Recording career with multiple albums in the 1980s
- Broadway debut in 'The Little Mermaid' (2008)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year (1982)
Nominated
- Razzie Award for Worst Actress (1983) for 'Butterfly'
- Razzie Award for Worst Actress (1984) for 'The Lonely Lady'
- Razzie Award for Worst New Star (1983) for 'Butterfly'
Special Recognition
- Golden Globe Winner (controversial)
- Multiple Razzie 'Worst' awards and nominations
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Pia Zadora became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s, representing both the excesses of the decade and the controversial intersection of wealth and celebrity. Her career sparked significant debate about talent versus money in Hollywood, with her Golden Globe win leading to changes in award voting procedures. She became a symbol of manufactured celebrity, with her career trajectory often cited as an example of how financial backing could overcome critical reception. Her story has been referenced in numerous discussions about Hollywood's casting couch culture and the influence of wealthy benefactors in entertainment.
Lasting Legacy
Despite her controversial career, Pia Zadora has maintained a lasting place in pop culture as a cult figure. Her early role in 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' has made her a perennial favorite among fans of bad cinema, while her 1980s work has gained appreciation in camp and kitsch circles. Her multiple Razzie Awards have ironically contributed to her enduring notoriety, and she has embraced this status with good humor in recent years. The controversy surrounding her career has also served as a cautionary tale about the relationship between money and fame in Hollywood.
Who They Inspired
Zadora's career has influenced discussions about celebrity culture and the authenticity of artistic success. Her situation has been used as a case study in film schools and media studies courses examining the business of entertainment. While not directly influential in terms of artistic style, her career path has influenced how award organizations vet their voting processes and how the media covers celebrity relationships with wealthy benefactors.
Off Screen
Pia Zadora's personal life has been marked by high-profile relationships and significant wealth. She married businessman Meshulam Riklis in 1977 when she was 23 and he was 54; their marriage lasted until 1993. Riklis's fortune played a significant role in financing her entertainment career. After her divorce from Riklis, she married writer Jonathan Kaufer in 1995, with whom she had two children before divorcing in 2001. She later married Michael Jeffries in 2005. Her relationships and career advancement have been subjects of media scrutiny and public speculation.
Education
Attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts; studied music and voice throughout her childhood and teenage years
Family
- Meshulam Riklis (1977-1993)
- Jonathan Kaufer (1995-2001)
- Michael Jeffries (2005-present)
Did You Know?
- Her role in 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' was her only film appearance as a child
- She won a Golden Globe for 'Butterfly' despite the film receiving terrible reviews
- The controversy over her Golden Globe led to the category being discontinued
- She performed on Broadway in 'The Little Mermaid' as Ursula
- Her 1984 single 'When the Rain Comes Down' reached #77 on Billboard Hot 100
- She purchased and demolished the Pickfair Mansion in 1988, causing controversy
- She appeared on 'The Simpsons' as herself in the episode 'The Springfield Connection'
- Her mother was a Broadway wardrobe supervisor
- She studied at the prestigious Juilliard School for a time
- She has embraced her 'worst actress' reputation with humor in recent years
In Their Own Words
I'm not a bad actress, I'm just a good actress who's been in bad movies
I'd rather be infamous than not famous at all
Money can't buy you love, but it can buy you a movie career
I've always been a survivor. I'm like a cockroach - you can't get rid of me
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pia Zadora?
Pia Zadora is an American actress and singer who began as a child star in 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964) and later became a controversial figure in 1980s Hollywood. Her career was marked by both commercial success and critical controversy, particularly regarding the influence of her wealthy husband's money on her career advancement.
What films is Pia Zadora best known for?
She is best known for her child role in the cult classic 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964) and her adult starring roles in 'Butterfly' (1982) and 'The Lonely Lady' (1983). She also appeared in John Waters' 'Hairspray' (1988) and has maintained a presence in cult cinema circles.
When was Pia Zadora born and when did she die?
Pia Zadora was born on May 4, 1954, in Hoboken, New Jersey. She is still alive as of 2024, having maintained a career in entertainment spanning over five decades, though with reduced activity in recent years.
What awards did Pia Zadora win?
Zadora won a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year in 1982 for her role in 'Butterfly', though this award remains controversial. She also received multiple Razzie Awards for 'Worst Actress' and 'Worst New Star', which she has since embraced with humor.
What was Pia Zadora's acting style?
As a child actress, Zadora displayed natural enthusiasm typical of young performers. In her adult career, her acting style was often criticized as overly dramatic and theatrical, lacking the subtlety preferred in film acting. Her performances tended toward melodramatic expression rather than naturalistic portrayal.
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Films
1 film
