An iconic actress who has starred in numerous films and TV shows, particularly in the horror and sci-fi genres, with a career spanning over four decades. She's most recognized for her roles in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Cujo.
Dee Wallace, known for her iconic role as Mary Taylor in the 1982 blockbuster science fiction film E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial, has cemented her status as a scream queen in the horror genre. With a career spanning over four decades, Wallace has starred in numerous horror films, including The Hills Have Eyes, The Howling, Cujo, Critters, and The Frighteners, solidifying her place as a legend in the genre.
Born Deanna Wallace on December 14, 1948, in Kansas City, Kansas, Wallace grew up in a family of performers. Her mother, Maxine, was a stage actress and producer who inspired Wallace's interest in acting from a young age. Tragedy struck when Wallace was in high school, as her father, Robert Stanley Bowers, struggled with severe alcoholism and ultimately took his own life. This difficult experience would later influence Wallace's approach to her craft.
After graduating from Wyandotte High School, Wallace attended the University of Kansas, earning an education degree. She briefly taught high school drama before pursuing a career in acting. Wallace began her career on television, appearing in episodes of The Streets of San Francisco, Starsky & Hutch, and Police Woman. Her breakthrough role came in 1977 with the box office horror hit film The Hills Have Eyes, followed by her starring role in The Howling opposite her husband Christopher Stone in 1981.
Wallace's iconic performance in E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial earned her a Saturn Award nomination and cemented her status as a scream queen. She went on to star in a string of horror films, including Cujo, Critters, and The Frighteners. Her ability to convey fear and vulnerability on screen has made her a staple in the horror genre.
Throughout her career, Wallace has received numerous awards and nominations for her performances. In addition to her Saturn Award nomination for E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial, she won the Best Actress award at the 2007 Fantasporto Film Festival for her role in Scar.
Wallace is a strong advocate for animal welfare and has been involved in several charitable organizations, including the Humane Society of the United States. She has also been open about her experiences with grief and loss, using her platform to raise awareness and support for mental health initiatives.
In 1980, Wallace married actor Christopher Stone, with whom she starred in several films, including The Howling and Cujo. The couple remained together until Stone's passing in 1995. Wallace has been open about the challenges she faced as a widow, using her experiences to inspire others.
Wallace's impact on modern society extends beyond her horror film legacy. She has inspired a generation of actresses and has been a trailblazer for women in the film industry. Her commitment to animal welfare and mental health awareness has made a lasting impact on her fans and the wider community.
Wallace has faced her share of controversy throughout her career, including criticism for her early horror film roles. However, she has never shied away from her scream queen status, embracing her legacy and using it to inspire and empower others.
Dee Wallace's legacy extends far beyond her iconic horror film roles. She has inspired a generation of actresses, advocated for animal welfare and mental health awareness, and continues to captivate audiences with her versatility and range. As a true Hollywood legend, Wallace's impact will be felt for generations to come.
45 Years Old
Star of the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy, bringing Middle-earth to life as Frodo Baggins, and producing eclectic indie films.
55 Years Old
Child actor who played Elliott in the iconic 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and later became a musician.
51 Years Old
A talented and versatile Hollywood star, known for her iconic roles in films like E.T. and Charlie's Angels, as well as her work behind the camera as a director and producer.
79 Years Old
Acclaimed filmmaker behind iconic movies like Jaws, E.T., and Jurassic Park, revolutionizing the film industry with his imaginative storytelling and visual effects. Co-founder of DreamWorks, a prominent production company.
78 Years Old
Academy Award-winning actor known for iconic roles in films like "Jaws" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", advocating for environmental and social causes.
Born in 1916
Led a renowned choral group, the Robert Shaw Chorale, and was a prominent figure in popularizing classical music, particularly choral works, through recordings and performances.
93 Years Old
Iconic actor of Jaws and Blue Thunder, known for his intense, rugged performances in thrillers and dramas.
84 Years Old
Star of iconic films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, bringing beloved characters to life with his rugged charm and wit.