Actress Stella Stevens dies at age 84


Hollywood is mourning the loss of Stella Stevens, who passed away on February 15th at the age of 84. Stevens, who was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, rose to fame in the 1960s and starred in several classic films.


Perhaps best known for her role in "The Nutty Professor," Stevens also appeared in "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," "The Silencers," and "The Poseidon Adventure," among others. She was also a frequent guest star on television shows such as "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island."


Stevens was born Estelle Eggleston in 1938 and grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. She began her career as a model and beauty pageant contestant, winning the title of Miss Memphis in 1952. She later moved to Hollywood to pursue acting and landed her first role in the 1959 film "Say One for Me."


Over the course of her career, Stevens worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley. She was known for her striking beauty, and her talent as an actress was often overshadowed by her stunning looks.


Despite this, Stevens was a gifted performer, and her roles in "The Nutty Professor" and "The Poseidon Adventure" showcased her range as an actress. In "The Nutty Professor," she played the love interest of Jerry Lewis's character, and her performance helped make the film a classic.


Stevens continued to work in Hollywood into the 1990s, appearing in films such as "Twins" and "The Granny." She also had a successful career in television, with guest appearances on shows such as "Hart to Hart" and "Highway to Heaven."


Despite her success on screen, Stevens had a tumultuous personal life. She was married four times and struggled with alcoholism and depression. In a 2016 interview with "Closer Weekly," Stevens spoke candidly about her struggles and credited her faith with helping her overcome them.


"I'm a Christian, and that's really the thing that's kept me going," she said. "I've been through a lot in my life, but I know that God has a plan for me, and I trust in that."


Stevens is survived by her two children, Andrew and Lily, as well as her grandchildren. Her passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow actors, who remember her as a talented and beautiful performer.


Actor and comedian Jerry Lewis, who starred opposite Stevens in "The Nutty Professor," once said of her: "She is a magnificent woman, a woman who has great beauty, and great talent, and great courage."


Stevens' death marks the passing of a Hollywood icon, whose talent and beauty will be remembered for generations to come.


Stevens' passing has also sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with many fans sharing their favorite memories of her performances. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis tweeted, "Stella Stevens was an exquisite talent. She lit up the screen with her beauty and her wit. Rest In Peace." Filmmaker Kevin Smith also paid tribute, tweeting, "Stella Stevens was always a class act - and hot as hell. Sad to hear we've lost her, but grateful for her work and the joy it brought us all."


Stevens' legacy in Hollywood extends far beyond her work as an actress. She was a trailblazer in the industry, breaking down barriers for women and paving the way for future generations of female performers. In a time when the industry was still dominated by men, Stevens proved that women could be just as talented and successful.


In addition to her work on screen, Stevens was also involved in various philanthropic endeavors throughout her life. She was a supporter of the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the American Humane Society, among other causes.


Stevens' impact on Hollywood and beyond will be felt for years to come. Her talent, beauty, and courage continue to inspire generations of performers and fans, and her legacy will live on through her work on screen and her contributions to the industry.


The news of Stevens' passing comes as the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted countless lives and livelihoods. The pandemic has led to widespread closures of theaters and production delays, and has had a profound impact on the industry as a whole.


Despite these challenges, Stevens' legacy serves as a reminder of the resilience of the entertainment industry and its ability to persevere in the face of adversity. Her contributions to the industry and her impact on fans and performers alike will never be forgotten.


Stevens' death is a sad loss for Hollywood, but her memory will continue to live on through her work and the countless lives she touched during her career. As the industry mourns her passing, it is clear that Stevens will be remembered as a true icon of the silver screen.