The Early Years of Sally Kellerman
Sally Kellerman was born on June 2, 1937, in Long Beach, California. She grew up in a Jewish family and attended Hollywood High School. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her mother and grandmother. Kellerman began her acting career in the late 1950s, appearing in small roles in TV shows and movies.
One of her first notable roles was in the 1968 film, “The Boston Strangler,” where she played a victim of the serial killer. She also appeared in the film “Last of the Red Hot Lovers” in 1972, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Kellerman’s Iconic Roles in MASH and Star Trek
In 1970, Kellerman landed the role of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the film “MASH.” Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She also sang the film’s theme song, “Suicide is Painless.”
Kellerman also appeared in the original “Star Trek” TV series, playing the character Dr. Elizabeth Dehner in the episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” She later reprised the role in the 1975 animated series.
Kellerman’s Other Film and TV Roles
Kellerman has had a long and successful career in film and television. Some of her other notable roles include:
- “Brewster McCloud” (1970)
- “Slither” (1973)
- “The Player” (1992)
- “90210” (2008-2013)
She has also made guest appearances on numerous TV shows, including “The Twilight Zone,” “Bonanza,” and “The Love Boat.”
Kellerman’s Jewish Heritage
Kellerman has been open about her Jewish heritage throughout her career. In an interview with the Jewish Journal, she said, “I’m very proud of being Jewish. It’s a wonderful tradition and culture, and I feel very connected to it.”
She has also been involved with various Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.
Kellerman’s Personal Life and Daughter Claire Kellerman
Kellerman has been married twice and has one daughter, Claire Kellerman, who is also an actress. Claire has appeared in several films and TV shows, including “The King of Queens” and “The Mentalist.”
Kellerman has also been open about her struggles with addiction and has been sober since the 1980s. She has been an advocate for addiction recovery and has shared her story to help others.
In Conclusion
Sally Kellerman has had a successful and diverse career in film and television, with iconic roles in “MASH” and “Star Trek.” She has been proud of her Jewish heritage and has been involved in various Jewish organizations. Kellerman has also been open about her personal struggles and has used her experiences to help others.
