Brenda Sykes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brenda Sykes
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Sykes in a publicity photo for television series Ozzie's Girls, c. 1972
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| Born | June 25, 1949 Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
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| Education | Susan Miller Dorsey High School |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1968–1978 |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 1 |
Brenda Sykes, born on June 25, 1949, is a former American actress. She starred in many movies and TV shows during the 1970s. She was first discovered on a popular TV show called The Dating Game.
Contents
Early Life and Acting Career
Brenda Sykes was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. She grew up in Los Angeles. After finishing Susan Miller Dorsey High School in 1967, she studied at UCLA for two years. She focused on political science and French.
A famous producer named Aaron Spelling suggested she attend an acting workshop. Brenda learned important acting skills there. She later continued her acting studies with actor Jeff Corey.
Notable Roles in Film
Brenda Sykes played important roles in several films. She was the love interest of Jim Brown in the movie Black Gunn. She also appeared in Cleopatra Jones and Mandingo.
Starring on Television Shows
Brenda Sykes was a familiar face on TV in the 1970s. From 1973 to 1974, she co-starred in Ozzie's Girls. She played Brenda MacKenzie, a college student living with Ozzie and Harriet Nelson.
She also played Mandy, one of Jimmie Walker's girlfriends, on the popular sitcom Good Times. Brenda had a starring role in the first season of The Streets of San Francisco. She also played Summer Johnson in the CBS series Executive Suite.
Personal Life
Brenda Sykes was married to the musician Gil Scott-Heron. They were married from 1978 to 1987. She is the mother of a poet named Gia Scott-Heron.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | The Liberation of L.B. Jones | Jelly | |
| 1970 | Getting Straight | Luan | |
| 1970 | The Baby Maker | Francis | Uncredited |
| 1971 | Pretty Maids All in a Row | Pamela | |
| 1971 | The Sheriff | Janet Wilder | ABC Movie of the Week |
| 1971 | Skin Game | Naomi | |
| 1971 | Honky | Sheila Smith | |
| 1972 | Black Gunn | Judith | |
| 1973 | Cleopatra Jones | Tiffany | |
| 1975 | Mandingo | Ellen | |
| 1976 | Drum | Calinda |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | One Life to Live | Judy Tate | |
| 1969 | Mayberry R.F.D. | Dorothy June | episode "Driver Education" |
| 1969 | The New People | Barbara | episode #1.0 |
| 1969 | Room 222 | Elaine Harris | episode "Triple Date" |
| 1969 | The Bold Ones: The New Doctors | Janet | episode "Crisis" (uncredited) |
| 1971 | The Doris Day Show | Dulcie | episode "Young Love" (unsold TV pilot) |
| 1972 | Love, American Style | Sally Wilson | episode "Love and the Perfect Wedding" |
| 1973 | The Streets of San Francisco | Jenaea Dancy | episode "A Trout in the Milk" |
| 1973 | Ozzie's Girls | Brenda MacKenzie | 24 episodes |
| 1974 | Police Woman | Linda Daniels | episode "Smack" |
| 1975 | Harry O | Ruthie Daniels | episode "Sound of Trumpets" |
| 1975 | Mobile One | Wilma | episode "Roadblock" |
| 1976–1977 | Executive Suite | Summer Johnson | 18 episodes |
| 1977 | The Love Boat | Ginny O'Brien | episode "Captain & the Lady" |
| 1978 | Good Times | Mandy | episode "Where There's Smoke" |
Images for kids
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Rock Hudson, Gene Roddenberry, Roger Vadim, and cast of Pretty Maids All in a Row.jpg
Cast of Pretty Maids All in a Row (L-R): June Fairchild, Joy Bang, Aimee Eccles; (middle row) Joanna Cameron, Gene Roddenberry, Rock Hudson, Roger Vadim; (back row) Margaret Markov, Brenda Sykes, Diane Sherry, Gretchen Burrell
