Beverly Garland
Actor
About Beverly Garland
Beverly Garland was a prolific American actress whose career spanned over five decades, beginning with her film debut in D.O.A. (1950). Born Beverly Lucy Fessenden, she quickly established herself as a versatile performer capable of handling dramatic roles, B-movie horror, and comedy. Throughout the 1950s, she became a familiar face in film noir and science fiction films, often playing strong, independent female characters who defied traditional gender roles. Her career reached new heights when she transitioned to television, where she found lasting success as Barbara Cooper Douglas on the hit sitcom 'My Three Sons' from 1960 to 1971. Later in her career, she appeared in the popular series 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King' and continued working in film and television until her retirement. Garland was known for her professionalism and ability to bring depth to every role, regardless of genre. She left an indelible mark on both classic Hollywood cinema and television, becoming a beloved figure to multiple generations of viewers.
The Craft
On Screen
Garland was known for her naturalistic acting style and ability to portray strong, resilient female characters. She brought authenticity and emotional depth to her roles, whether playing dramatic parts in film noir or comedic characters in television sitcoms. Her performances were characterized by a grounded realism and a commanding screen presence that made her believable in diverse genres. She had a particular talent for playing women who could handle themselves in dangerous situations, often subverting the damsel-in-distress trope common in 1950s cinema.
Milestones
- Film debut in D.O.A. (1950)
- Leading roles in 1950s B-movies including 'It Conquered the World' and 'Gunslinger'
- Breakout television role as Barbara Cooper Douglas on 'My Three Sons' (1960-1971)
- Co-starring role in 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King' (1983-1987)
- Received star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983
- Opened Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn in North Hollywood (1972)
- Final film appearance in 'The Cool Surface' (1994)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Golden Boot Award (1997)
- Western Heritage Award (1971) for 'The Men from Shiloh'
Nominated
- Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Comedy (1970)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1983)
- Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
- Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Beverly Garland played a significant role in challenging gender stereotypes in 1950s cinema, often portraying strong, independent female characters who could hold their own against male leads. Her work in science fiction and horror films helped establish the 'scream queen' archetype, but with a twist - her characters fought back and were often the heroes of their stories. Her transition to television success with 'My Three Sons' made her a household name and helped normalize the portrayal of working mothers in American sitcoms. The hotel she owned became a popular destination for Hollywood industry professionals, further cementing her status as a Hollywood institution.
Lasting Legacy
Beverly Garland left a lasting legacy as one of Hollywood's most versatile and reliable character actresses. Her ability to seamlessly move between film genres and television formats demonstrated the changing landscape of entertainment in the mid-20th century. She is remembered for breaking barriers for women in film, particularly in genres where female characters were traditionally marginalized. Her business success as a hotel owner also made her a pioneer for actresses seeking financial independence outside the entertainment industry. Today, she is celebrated by film historians and genre fans alike for her contributions to American cinema and television.
Who They Inspired
Garland influenced generations of actresses by demonstrating that women could be both commercially successful and maintain artistic integrity in their choice of roles. Her portrayal of capable, intelligent women in science fiction and horror films paved the way for more complex female characters in genre cinema. Many actresses who followed in her footsteps, particularly in television, have cited her work on 'My Three Sons' as an example of how to balance comedy with genuine emotional depth. Her business acumen also inspired other performers to seek financial independence through entrepreneurship.
Off Screen
Beverly Garland was married twice and had two children. She was known for her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, owning and operating a successful hotel in North Hollywood for many years. Despite her busy career, she maintained a reputation as a devoted mother and was known for her warmth and generosity toward fans and colleagues. Her second marriage to Fillmore Crank lasted until his death in 1990, and she never remarried. She was actively involved in charitable work, particularly with organizations supporting children and animals.
Education
Attended Glendale Community College and studied acting at the Actors' Lab in Hollywood
Family
- Richard Garland (1951-1953)
- Fillmore Crank (1960-1990)
Did You Know?
- She was a licensed pilot and flew her own plane
- Her Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn was frequently used as a filming location
- She appeared in over 40 films and 300 television episodes
- She was a close friend of Ronald Reagan and supported his political career
- She was originally cast in 'Psycho' but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts
- She was a skilled equestrian and performed many of her own stunts in westerns
- She was a founding member of the Hollywood Women's Press Club
- She appeared in three different versions of 'Perry Mason' across different decades
- She was a regular guest at science fiction conventions late in her career
- Her hotel hosted the first Academy Awards party for technical achievement winners
In Their Own Words
I've always been a working actress. I've never been a star, but I've always worked.
In the 1950s, you played the girlfriend or the wife, but I wanted to be more than that.
Roger Corman gave me some of the best roles I ever had. He trusted me to carry his pictures.
Television was wonderful for me. It gave me stability and a chance to raise my family.
I never turned down a role because it was too small. Every part was important to me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Beverly Garland?
Beverly Garland was a versatile American actress who enjoyed a successful career spanning over five decades, from her 1950 film debut in D.O.A. through her final television appearances in the 2000s. She was particularly known for her roles in 1950s B-movies, her long-running part on the sitcom 'My Three Sons,' and her later work in 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King.'
What films is Beverly Garland best known for?
Garland is best known for her debut film D.O.A. (1950), her 1950s B-movie work including 'It Conquered the World,' 'The Alligator People,' and 'Swamp Women,' and her extensive television career, especially as Barbara Cooper Douglas on 'My Three Sons' (1960-1971).
When was Beverly Garland born and when did she die?
Beverly Garland was born Beverly Lucy Fessenden on October 17, 1926, in Santa Cruz, California, and passed away on December 5, 2008, at her home in the Hollywood Hills at the age of 82.
What awards did Beverly Garland win?
Garland received a Golden Boot Award in 1997 and a Western Heritage Award in 1971 for her work in 'The Men from Shiloh.' She also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983 and was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1970 for her work on 'My Three Sons.'
What was Beverly Garland's acting style?
Garland was known for her naturalistic, grounded acting style and her ability to portray strong, independent female characters. She brought authenticity to diverse genres, from film noir to horror to comedy, and was particularly noted for playing women who could handle themselves in dangerous situations, often subverting traditional gender stereotypes of the era.
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Films
1 film
