Lana Clarkson

Lana Jean Clarkson (April 5, 1962 – February 3, 2003) was an American actress and fashion model. During the 1980s, she rose to prominence in several sword and sorcery films. In 2003, record producer and songwriter Phil Spector shot and killed Clarkson inside his home; he was charged with second-degree murder and convicted in 2009.

Early life Clarkson was born in Long Beach, California, to Donna and James M. Clarkson and was raised in the hills of Sonoma County, California, from a young age. She had a brother, Jessee J. Clarkson, and a sister, Fawn. While living in Northern California, she attended Cloverdale High School and Pacific Union College Preparatory School. During the Christmas season of 1978 Clarkson's family returned to Southern California and settled in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. After Clarkson's family moved back to Los Angeles County, she pursued a career in the entertainment industry as an actress and fashion model. She played the wife of science teacher Mr. Vargas (Vincent Schiavelli). The film was her first speaking role. She appeared in Scarface (1983) behind Michelle Pfeiffer dancing on the floor of the Babylon Club. Her first big role was in the Nico Mastorakis science-fiction thriller Blind Date (1984).

As an actress, Clarkson became best known for her five feature films for producer Roger Corman, beginning with his fantasy film Deathstalker (1983), as a female warrior and love interest to the title character played by Richard Hill.

In 1987, Clarkson appeared in the John Landis spoof Amazon Women on the Moon. Following that, Clarkson starred in Corman's Barbarian Queen sequel, Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back.

In 2001, while living in Venice, California, for the last several years, Clarkson developed, wrote, produced, and directed a showcase reel titled Lana Unleashed. She took a part-time side job as a hostess in early January 2003 at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, California, to make ends meet. About an hour later, the driver heard a gunshot before Spector exited his house through the back door with a gun. He was quoted as saying, according to affidavits, "I think I just shot her."

Spector appeared in court charged with the murder of Clarkson in 2007. On September 26, 2007, the trial judge declared mistrial due to a hung jury ten to two for conviction. Spector was retried and in April 2009 he was convicted of second-degree murder. Spector was sentenced on May 29, 2009, to 19 years to life in state prison. He died in 2021 while serving his sentence.

In February 2012, Donna Clarkson, Lana's mother, settled a civil lawsuit with Spector and his insurance company over the wrongful death of Lana Clarkson. Terms of the settlement were not released to the public.

Filmography

Film + Year Title Role NotesRef. 1982 My Favorite Year Girl in Old Gold Cigarette Pack Uncredited Fast Times at Ridgemont High Mrs. Vargas 1983 Deathstalker Kaira Alternative title: Warrior King Brainstorm Food Fantasy Girl Uncredited Scarface Woman at Babylon Club #6 Extra Female Mercenaries 1984 Blind Date Rachel 1985 Barbarian Queen Amethea 1987 Amazon Women on the Moon Alpha Beta (segment "Amazon Women on the Moon") 1989 Wizards of the Lost Kingdom II Amathea 1990 The Haunting of Morella Coel Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back Princess Athalia Direct-to-video release 1997 Vice Girls Jan Cooper Love in Paris Woman at Fashion Show Alternative title: Another 9½ Weeks Retroactive Stunt performer 2000 Little Man on Campus Joyce Short March Dr. Ellen Taylor (final film role)

Television + Year Title Role NotesRef. 1983 Three's Company Sharon Gordon Episode: "Alias Jack Tripper" 1983 The Jeffersons Sofia Episode: "Who's the Fairest?" 1984 Brothers Vanessa Episode: "Fear of Flying" 1984 The New Mike Hammer Masseuse Episode: "Kill Devil" 1984 Riptide Kelly Episode: "Catch of the Day" 1984 Knight Rider Marilyn Episode: "The Rotten Apples" 1984 Who's the Boss? Nanette Episode: "Sports Buddies" 1985 The A-Team Sonny Monroe's Girlfriend Episode: "Champ!" 1985 George Burns Comedy Week Librarian Episode: "Disaster at Buzz Creek" 1985–1990 Night Court Various roles 2 episodes 1986 Hotel Sheila Carlson Episode: "Hidden Talents" 1986 Amazing Stories Mrs. Ellis Episode: "Miscalculation" 1986 The Love Boat Angela Episode: "The Shipshape Cruise" 1988 It's a Living Fawn Episode: "Skin Deep" 1992 Wings Janine Episode: "Noses Off" 1993–1995 Silk Stalkings Various roles 2 episodes 1996 Night Stand with Dick Dietrick Jamie Episode: "Getting Even" 1996 Land's End Kay Episode: "Who's Killing Cole Porter?" 2000 18 Wheels of Justice Marta Episode: "Revelation" 2001 Black Scorpion Dr. Sarah Bellum / Mindbender Episode: "Virtual Vice"