Janet Margolin was an American actress who is best known for her roles in David and Lisa, Annie Hall, and Ghostbusters II. Born in New York City in 1943, she gained fame as a talented young performer on Broadway.
Personal and Family Life
Janet Margolin was born on July 25, 1943, to Benjamin and Annette Margolin. She had three siblings: Emily, Barbara, and Laura. Janet married actor Ted Wass in 1979, and they had two children together: Julian and Matilda. Her first marriage was to Jerry Brandt from 1968 to 1971.
Career Highlights
Margolin made her Broadway debut at the age of 18 and was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in “Daughter of Silence.” She was discovered by director Frank Perry while performing on stage and was cast in her first film, David and Lisa, which earned her critical acclaim. Over her career, she appeared in various films including Enter Laughing and Woody Allen’s Take the Money and Run. Despite her early success, her film offers diminished later in her career, leading her to focus more on television roles.
Death and Legacy
Janet Margolin passed away on December 17, 1993, at the age of 50 due to ovarian cancer. Her performance in films and on stage left a lasting impression on audiences and her friends in the industry, including her co-star Jennifer Salt, with whom she shared a close friendship. Janet is remembered for her talent and contributions to both film and theater.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Annie Hall | 1977-04-19 | Robin |
| The Greatest Story Ever Told | 1965-04-09 | Mary of Bethany |
| Ghostbusters II | 1989-06-16 | The Prosecutor |
| Nevada Smith | 1966-06-10 | Neesa |
| Take the Money and Run | 1969-08-18 | Louise |
| Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell | 1968-10-23 | Gia Campbell |
| Enter Laughing | 1967-02-25 | Wanda |
| Morituri | 1965-08-24 | Esther |
| Last Embrace | 1979-05-04 | Ellie Fabian |
| Planet Earth | 1974-04-23 | Harper-Smythe |
| Pray for the Wildcats | 1974-01-23 | Krissie Kincaid |
| David and Lisa | 1962-12-26 | Lisa Brandt |
| Bus Riley’s Back in Town | 1965-03-24 | Judy Nichols |
| Your Three Minutes Are Up | 1973-08-01 | Betty |
| The Plutonium Incident | 1980-03-11 | Judith Longdon |
| Family Flight | 1972-10-25 | Carol Rutledge |
| The Last Child | 1971-10-05 | Karen Miller |
| Sharon: Portrait of a Mistress | 1977-10-31 | Carol |
| The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal | 1979-01-30 | Rose |
| Distant Thunder | 1988-11-11 | Barbara Lambert |
| Tonight’s the Night | 1987-02-02 | Chris |
| Murder in Peyton Place | 1977-10-03 | Betty Anderson Roerick |
| El ojo de la cerradura | 1966-09-01 | Inés |
| Ten Blocks on the Camino Real | 1966-10-07 | Esmerelda |
| Murder C.O.D. | 1990-09-24 | Maye Walsh |
| Please Call It Murder | 1975-01-21 | Susan Browning |
| Lanigan’s Rabbi | 1976-06-17 | Miriam Small |