Lynn Cartwright was an American actress who is best known for her roles in A League of Their Own, The Wasp Woman, and Queen of Outer Space. Born on February 27, 1927, in McAlester, Oklahoma, she became a well-known character actress during her career.
Personal and Family Life
Lynn Cartwright, originally named Doralyn E. Cartwright, grew up in a politically active family. Her father was a U.S. Congressman, and she had one sister, Wilburta, who became an artist. Lynn met her future husband, actor Leo Gordon, while studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. They married in 1950 and had a daughter named Tara.
Career
Lynn’s career took off in the early years after she and Leo toured together. She made her film debut in Black Patch (1957), a movie based on a script written by her husband. Her notable roles included playing a switchboard operator in The Wasp Woman (1959) and the older version of Geena Davis’s character in A League of Their Own (1992). She often appeared in TV shows throughout the 70s and 80s, many of which featured scripts by Leo.
Death and Legacy
Lynn Cartwright passed away on January 2, 2004, in Los Angeles due to dementia, just a few years after her husband Leo died. She struggled with her health following Leo’s death and was deeply affected by her loss. Lynn is remembered for her significant contributions to film and television, particularly her performances in beloved cult classics and renowned films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Wasp Woman | 1959-10-30 | Maureen Reardon |
| Queen of Outer Space | 1958-09-07 | Venusian Girl |
| All the Loving Couples | 1969-03-19 | Natalie |
| The Seniors | 1978-06-30 | Miss Elizabeth Creighton |
| The Cry Baby Killer | 1958-08-15 | Julie |
| Black Patch | 1957-09-15 | Kitty |
| The Apartment | 1960-06-21 | Elevator Supervisor (uncredited) |
| Class of ’74 | 1972-06-14 | Marsha |
| The Ribald Tales of Robin Hood | 1969-10-29 | Lady Sallyforth |
| Something Evil | 1972-01-21 | Secretary |
| The Lucifer Complex | 1978-01-01 | Assistant Brunner |
| A League of Their Own | 1992-07-01 | Older Dottie |
| The Garbage Pail Kids Movie | 1987-08-22 | Fashion Show Host |
| Lovelines | 1984-11-02 | Mrs. Woodson |
| Son of Hitler | 1979-01-01 | Annie |
| Little House on the Prairie | 1974-09-11 | |
| Knot’s Landing | 1979-12-27 | |
| Highway Patrol | 1955-10-03 | |
| Man Called X | 1956-01-27 | |
| Peter Gunn | 1958-09-22 | |
| Bat Masterson | 1958-10-08 | Ruby Red |
| Maverick | 1957-09-22 | |
| Adam-12 | 1968-09-21 | Jessica Caldwell |
| Adam-12 | 1968-09-21 | Clare Evans |
| Adam-12 | 1968-09-21 | Jan Cartwright |