Carol Speed

Carolyn Ann Stewart (March 14, 1945 – January 14, 2022), known professionally as Carol Speed, was an American actress, singer-songwriter and author. Speed was known for her roles in films during the 1970s blaxploitation era, for example starring as Abby Williams in the American International Pictures 1974 blaxploitation horror film Abby. to Cora Valrie Stewart (née Taylor) and Freddie Lee Stewart. She was raised in San Jose, California. Speed began performing at a young age. At age 12, she received her first acting role in the San Jose Light Opera production of The King and I. During her youth, she was a part of a singing group which included two of her cousins. Speed attended William C. Overfelt High School, where she was voted "Best All Around" for her senior class. She graduated in 1963.

Career Speed began her career in show business as a singer, serving as a back-up singer for Bobbie Gentry during her stint at Harrah's Club in Reno, Nevada. Speed's career in television began in 1970 when she landed a minor role as Clara Dormin on an episode of the NBC series Julia starring Diahann Carroll. Speed appeared in several television commercials during the 1970s.

From 1970 through 1972, Speed appeared in other shows such as, Sanford and Son, The Psychiatrist and Days of Our Lives. In 1972, Speed made her film debut in The New Centurions in which she portrayed Martha, a prostitute. Speed portrayed Mickie, prisoner in Jack Hill's 1972 blaxploitation film The Big Bird Cage alongside Pam Grier and Sid Haig. In 1974, Speed portrayed Abby Williams, a minister's wife who becomes possessed by the malevolent spirit of an evil demon in William Girdler's horror film Abby.

In 1976, Speed appeared on the July cover of Jet. In 2006, Speed portrayed Cookie in the independent horror film Village Vengeance.

Personal life and death Speed was a resident of Atlanta, Georgia during a period in her later years. During the film of The Mack, Speed was romantically involved with Frank Ward, an Oakland, California pimp and drug dealer whose life served as the film's inspiration. Speed had one child, a son, who predeceased her, and one grandson. Speed was cremated.

Filmography Year Title Role Reference1972 The Big Bird Cage Mickie 1972 The New Centurions Martha 1973 Savage! Amanda 1973 The Mack Lulu 1974 Dynamite Brothers Sarah

Television

Books