Stella Stevens, born Estelle Eggleston, was an American actress, filmmaker, and producer whose career spanned decades across both film and television.
She entered the world on October 1, 1938, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, and grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. After briefly studying at Memphis State University, she left college to follow her ambition of working in modeling, a step that soon led her toward the entertainment industry.
Stevens first gained attention as a pin-up model, appearing in publications such as Playboy and Modern Man. Her striking appearance and confident presence soon attracted the interest of studio executives, leading to a contract with 20th Century Fox.
She stepped into film in 1959 with Say One for Me, starring alongside Bing Crosby and Debbie Reynolds.
In January 1960, she was named Playboy’s Playmate of the Month and later returned for additional pictorial features in 1965 and 1968. She was also ranked No. 27 on Playboy’s list of the 100 Sexiest Stars of the 20th Century. Throughout the 1960s, she became one of the most widely photographed women in the world.
Reflecting on her appearances in the magazine, Stevens told The New York Times that if millions of readers saw her in such features and even a portion remembered her name, it would translate into ticket sales for her films.
Among Stevens’ most recognized films are The Nutty Professor, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, The Silencers, and The Poseidon Adventure. She also collaborated with acclaimed directors, appearing in Sam Peckinpah’s The Ballad of Cable Hogue and Blake Edwards’ comedy The Party.
Beyond the big screen, she maintained a strong television presence. She held a recurring role on the popular series The Love Boat and made guest appearances on programs such as Bonanza, The Munsters, and Hart to Hart. Her later film credits included titles like Slaughter, Las Vegas Lady, and The Manitou.
Over the years, Stevens earned a reputation not only for her striking beauty and vibrant personality but also for her range as a performer. Whether in lighthearted comedies or more dramatic roles, she consistently engaged audiences with her screen presence.
Her performance in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father (1966) drew particular praise and earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Beyond her on-screen work, Stevens also built a career behind the scenes. She took on producing roles for projects such as Mortuary Academy and Monster in the Closet, expanding her influence within the industry.
In 1989, she stepped into the director’s chair with the film The Ranch, further demonstrating her versatility and commitment to filmmaking.
Stevens was married to Noble Herman Stephens from 1954 until their divorce in 1957. Their son Andrew was born in 1955.
Following her divorce, she changed the spelling of her last name to ‘Stevens’ and left her son in the custody of her parents while she sought out a successful acting career.
In the years following, she and her former husband engaged in a custody battle for their son, with each party accusing the other of kidnapping, before Stevens finally won full custody.
In late 1976, Stevens purchased a ranch in Methow Valley near Carlton, Washington on the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains. She also opened an art gallery and bakery in the nearby small town of Twisp, Washington.
In 1983, Stevens began a long-term relationship with rock guitarist Bob Kulick. A little over a year later, he moved into Stevens’ Beverly Hills home.
In March 2016, Kulick and Stevens sold her longtime Beverly Hills home, and she moved to a long-term Alzheimer’s care facility in Los Angeles. Kulick often visited her there until his death on May 28, 2020.
(Photo credit: Pinterest).
No Comments