Who was Lois Nettleton? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Lois June Nettleton, Lydia Scott

Died At Age: 80

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Jean Shepherd (m. 1960–1967)

father: Edward L. Nettleton

mother: Virginia Nettleton

Born Country: United States

Actresses Radio Personalities

Height: 5'5" (165 cm), 5'5" Females

Died on: January 18, 2008

place of death: Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States

Cause of Death: Brain Tumor

Notable Alumni: Art Institute Of Chicago

U.S. State: Illinois

City: Oak Park, Illinois

More Facts

education: DePaul University, Art Institute of Chicago

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1

What notable roles did Lois Nettleton play in her acting career?

Lois Nettleton was known for her roles in various TV shows and films, including "The Twilight Zone," "In the Heat of the Night," and "Crossing Jordan."
2

Did Lois Nettleton have any involvement in theater productions?

Yes, Lois Nettleton had a successful career in theater, appearing in numerous Broadway productions such as "They Knew What They Wanted" and "A Moon for the Misbegotten."
3

Was Lois Nettleton involved in any humanitarian or charitable work?

Yes, Lois Nettleton was an advocate for various social causes and was involved in charity work, supporting organizations that focused on issues like animal welfare and environmental conservation.
4

What were some of Lois Nettleton's interests outside of acting?

Outside of acting, Lois Nettleton had a passion for literature and poetry. She was known to be an avid reader and even recited poetry at various events.
5

Did Lois Nettleton ever share any advice for aspiring actors?

Yes, Lois Nettleton often shared valuable advice for aspiring actors, emphasizing the importance of dedication, hard work, and staying true to oneself in the competitive world of show business.

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Childhood & Early Life

Lois June Nettleton was born on August 16, 1927, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Edward Nettleton and Virginia Nettleton. Her parents divorced when she was quite young.

Nettleton had a difficult childhood. In order to cope with the harsh surroundings, she created small plays and enacted them in her backyard, all by herself. This was how she developed an interest in acting. At the age of 11, Nettleton joined a community theater and appeared on local radio and TV shows.

Lois Nettleton graduated from the ‘Senn High School’ in Chicago. She was trained in acting at the ‘Goodman Theatre’ in Chicago. In 1948, Nettleton was crowned ‘Miss Chicago.’ The same year, she qualified for the semi-finals of ‘Miss America’ contest.

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Career

Nettleton started her professional acting career in 1948. She was an understudy to Barbara Bel Geddes for the role of ‘Maggie the Cat’ in the play ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.’ Occasionally, Nettleton played the role herself.

In 1949, Nettleton made her debut on ‘Broadway,’ with the play ‘The Biggest Thief in Town.’ It was produced by famous screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. Nettleton used the stage name “Lydia Scott.” Following this, Nettleton performed in several small roles in TV and radio productions. She was part of the radio show ‘Studio One in Hollywood.’

From 1954 to 1957, Nettleton was part of the daytime soap opera ‘The Brighter Day.’ It was a series that had the radio and TV versions running simultaneously. It was aired on ‘CBS.’ The show featured Nettleton as ‘Patsy Dennis Hamilton.’

In 1960, Nettleton starred in four episodes of the police series ‘Naked City.’ It was telecast on ‘ABC.’ In 1961, Nettleton performed in single episodes of the series ‘Encounter,’ ‘Great Ghost Tales,’ and ‘The Twilight Zone.’

In 1962, Nettleton made her debut in movies, with the comedy–drama movie ‘Period of Adjustment.’ It was based on the play of the same name by Tennessee Williams. The movie featured Nettleton as ‘Dorothea Baitz,’ a woman struggling with the problems of married life.

In 1963, Nettleton played a major role in the movie ‘Come Fly with Me.’ It was the story of three airhostesses looking for romantic connections in their lives. Nettleton played ‘Hilda Bergstrom,’ one of the airhostesses.

In 1968, Nettleton portrayed ‘Anna Karachev’ in the science-fiction movie ‘The Bamboo Saucer.’ In the 1970s, Nettleton performed in movies such as ‘The Honkers,’ ‘The Man in the Glass Booth,’ and ‘Echoes of a Summer.’

In 1973, Nettleton performed as the lead character, ‘Blanche DuBois,’ in the play ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’ It was a revival of the original play that was opened in 1947. Nettleton’s performance in the play was widely applauded. In 1976, she performed in a revival of the play ‘They Knew What They Wanted.’ She was nominated for a ‘Tony Award,’ for this performance.

In 1977, Nettleton portrayed ‘Susan B. Anthony’ in the TV movie ‘The American Woman: Profiles in Courage.’ Her convincing performance won her an ‘Emmy Award.’ She won the ‘Emmy Award’ for her performance in the religious anthology ‘Insight,’ too. She also won ‘Emmy Award’ nominations for series such as ‘The Golden Girl’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night.’

Nettleton lent her voice to several animation characters. She worked as a voice actor for animation series such as ‘Disney’s House of Mouse’ and ‘Mickey’s House of Villains.’ In 2006, Nettleton performed in the last movie of her career. She portrayed ‘Rosie Spelman’ in the movie ‘The Christmas Card.’

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Family, Personal Life & Legacy

Nettleton was married to radio and TV host Jean Shepherd. Nettleton was the first caller to Shepherd’s radio program. They did several shows together and got married in 1960. They divorced after 7 years. They have no children.

Nettleton suffered from lung cancer in the final days of her life. She breathed her last on January 18, 2008. She was interred at the ‘St. Raymond’s Cemetery’ in New York City.

Facts About Lois Nettleton

Lois Nettleton was known for her love of animals and was a passionate advocate for animal rights throughout her life.

Despite her successful acting career, Nettleton maintained a down-to-earth personality and was always approachable and kind to those around her.

Nettleton had a great sense of humor and was known for her quick wit both on and off the stage.

In addition to her work in film and television, Nettleton was also a talented voice actress, lending her voice to various animated projects.

Nettleton had a keen interest in literature and was known to be an avid reader, often seen with a book in hand between takes on set.

Lois Nettleton Biography

You wanted to know

What notable roles did Lois Nettleton play in her acting career?

Did Lois Nettleton have any involvement in theater productions?

Was Lois Nettleton involved in any humanitarian or charitable work?

What were some of Lois Nettleton's interests outside of acting?

Did Lois Nettleton ever share any advice for aspiring actors?