Betty Ann Carr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Betty Ann Carr
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Carr in 1971
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| Born |
Betty Ann Brown
September 6, 1942 Tennessee, United States
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| Died | January 7, 1995 (aged 52) Morristown,Tennessee, United States
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| Years active | 1972–1985 |
| Spouse(s) | Tom Carr |
Betty Ann Carr (born September 6, 1942 – died January 7, 1995) was an American actress. She was also a musician, composer, and film editor. She was known for her roles on television. Betty Ann had Native American heritage.
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Early Life and Background
Betty Ann Carr was born Betty Ann Brown. Her parents were William Raymond and Helen Marie Brown. She was the oldest of six children. Betty Ann had a mixed heritage. She was half Cherokee and half French.
She grew up on a small farm. This farm was in Asbury, Missouri. It was near Joplin, Missouri. Betty Ann said her family was poor. But she also said that many families were poor back then. So, she did not think much about it.
Even though she loved music as a child, Betty Ann studied drama. She went to San Diego State University.
Her Family
Betty Ann had five younger siblings. Their names were Perry, James, Susan, Benny, and Kay Brown.
Acting Career Highlights
Betty Ann Carr started her career as a dancer. She appeared in party scenes on the TV show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. Her first big acting role came in 1971. She played Betty Ann Sundown in the western series Cade's County. She stayed on the show until 1972.
Besides acting, she also taught acting. She helped Native American actors. She taught at Jay Silverheels's drama school. This school was in the San Fernando Valley.
Teaching Young Actors
In 1973, Betty Ann talked about her teaching work. She said that Native Americans had not been taught drama. She believed that training young people was important. She taught kids who were 18 and younger.
For a while, students from the Sherman Institute came weekly. They were between 12 and 16 years old. But this stopped when the Institute ran out of money. They could no longer pay for the bus driver.
Becoming an "Indian Actress"
At first, Betty Ann did not see herself as only an "Indian actress." But casting directors started turning her down. They said she looked "too ethnic" or "too dark." This was for roles that were not Native American. This made her realize she was seen as an "Indian actress."
Betty Ann is perhaps best remembered for playing Monica Bell. This was on the daytime soap opera Return to Peyton Place. She flew daily from San Diego to Los Angeles to film her scenes. This role made her quite famous. She was featured in several magazines about daytime TV.
She also composed songs for musicians. And she edited a Native American film. After Return to Peyton Place was canceled, Betty Ann appeared in other TV series. She continued acting until 1985.
Personal Life
Betty Ann Carr was married to Tom Carr. He was an engineer. They were married from June 12, 1965, until sometime in 1975.
She passed away on January 7, 1995. She died in Morristown, Tennessee. The reason for her death is not known.
