Carol Speed facts for kids

Carolyn Ann Stewart (born March 14, 1945 – died January 14, 2022) was an American actress, singer, and author. She was known by her professional name, Carol Speed. Carol Speed was famous for her roles in movies from the 1970s. These movies were part of a style called blaxploitation. One of her most famous roles was Abby Williams in the horror film Abby (1974).

About Carol Speed

Early Life and School

Carolyn Ann Stewart was born on March 14, 1945. Her birthplace was Bakersfield, California. She grew up in San Jose, California. Carol started performing when she was very young.

When she was 12, she got her first acting part. It was in a play called The King and I. As a teenager, she sang in a group with her two cousins. She went to William C. Overfelt High School. Her classmates voted her "Best All Around" in her senior year. She finished high school in 1963.

Carol Speed was the first African-American homecoming queen in Santa Clara County. She also received one of the first scholarships for African-Americans. This scholarship was for the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.

Her Career in Entertainment

Carol Speed began her career as a singer. She sang backup for Bobbie Gentry in Reno, Nevada. Her first TV role was in 1970. She played Clara Dormin in an episode of the NBC show Julia. During the 1970s, Carol also appeared in many TV commercials.

From 1970 to 1972, she acted in other TV shows. These included Sanford and Son and Days of Our Lives. In 1972, she played Mickie in the film The Big Bird Cage. She acted alongside Pam Grier in this movie.

In 1974, Carol Speed starred in the horror film Abby. She played Abby Williams, a minister's wife. In the movie, Abby becomes possessed by an evil spirit. Carol also wrote and sang a song for the film called "My Soul Is A Witness."

In 1976, Carol Speed was featured on the cover of Jet magazine. Later, in 1979, she played Noel in the movie Disco Godfather. She starred with Rudy Ray Moore in this film. In 1980, Carol Speed also wrote a book called Inside Black Hollywood.

Later Life

Carol Speed lived in Atlanta, Georgia for some time. She had one son, who passed away before her. She also had one grandson.

Carol Speed died on January 14, 2022, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She was 76 years old. She passed away just two weeks after Max Julien, her co-star from The Mack. Carol Speed was cremated.

Movies Carol Speed Was In

TV Shows Carol Speed Was In

Books by Carol Speed

Songs by Carol Speed