Carol Speed
Carolyn Ann Stewart (born March 14, 1945)[2][3], known professionally as Carol Speed is an American actress, singer and author.[4] Speed is best known for her roles in films during the 1970s blaxploitation era,[5] most notably starring as Abby Williams in the American International Pictures 1974 blaxploitation horror film Abby.[6]
Carol Speed | |
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Born | Carolyn Ann Stewart March 14, 1945[1] |
Occupation |
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Years active | 1969–present |
Known for | Abby Williams – Abby Lulu – The Mack |
Home town | San Jose, California, U.S. |
Biography
Speed was raised in San Jose, California. Speed began performing at a young age. At age 12, Speed received her first acting role in the San Jose Light Opera production of "The King & I". During her youth, Speed was a part of a singing group which included two of her cousins. For high school, Speed attended William C. Overfelt High School, where she was voted "Best All Around" for her senior class.[7] She graduated in 1963.[8] Speed began her professional career in television in 1970, landing a minor role as Clara Dormin on an episode of NBC series Julia starring Diahann Carroll. Thereafter, Speed had numerous roles in blaxplotation films; appearing in sixteen films since 1971.
Selected filmography
- The Big Bird Cage (1972) – Mickie
- The New Centurions (1972) – Martha
- The Mack (1973) – Lulu
- Savage! (1973) – Amanda
- Dynamite Brothers (1974) – Sarah
- Black Samson (1974) – Leslie
- Abby (1974) – Abby Williams
- Disco Godfather (1979) – Noel
References
- Mr. Skin's Skincyclopedia: The A-to-Z Guide to Finding Your Favorite ... (By Skin)
- Encyclopedia of African American Actresses in Film and Television (Bob McCann)
- VideoHound's Golden Movie Retriever, Volume 2005
- DVD Talk
- Ebony, April 1972
- Ebony, October 1975
- William C. Overfelt High School 1963 Yearbook (Class Notables)
- William C. Overfelt High School 1963 Yearbook (Seniors)
External links
- Carol Speed on IMDb