Linnea Quigley facts for kids

Barbara Linnea Quigley (born May 27, 1958) is an American actress, producer, model, singer, and author. She is well-known for her roles in many films, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. Linnea Quigley is also an active supporter of animal rights.

She began her career in the late 1970s after moving to Los Angeles. Linnea started as an extra in movies and then got bigger roles. One of her most famous parts was in the 1985 zombie film The Return of the Living Dead. She has also appeared in many other films and written books about her experiences.

About Linnea Quigley's Career

Early Life and First Steps in Acting

Quigley as a senior at Bettendorf High School, 1976

Linnea Quigley was born on May 27, 1958, in Davenport, Iowa. Her father was a chiropractor and psychologist. Linnea was an only child and attended schools in Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa. She has shared that she was very shy during her school years.

After finishing high school in 1976, Linnea moved to Los Angeles with her parents. She found a job at a health spa. There, she met models who worked as extras in movies. Her friends encouraged her to try modeling and acting. She also started taking guitar lessons.

One of her first acting jobs was in a TV commercial. She then got small roles as an extra in films. Her first credited acting role was in the comedy film Fairy Tales (1978). She continued to get small parts in various movies, including Don't Go Near the Park (1981) and Graduation Day (1981).

Becoming a Well-Known Actress

Linnea Quigley became widely recognized for her role in the zombie horror film The Return of the Living Dead (1985). In this movie, she played a punk teenager. This role helped her become known in the film industry.

Throughout the late 1980s, Linnea starred in many films. These movies often became popular because people could watch them at home on video. She frequently worked with directors like David DeCoteau and Kevin Tenney. She also appeared alongside other actresses like Brinke Stevens and Michelle Bauer. Some of her other notable films include Savage Streets (1984), Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984), Night of the Demons (1988), and A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988).

In recent years, Linnea has continued to act. She appeared in ...land (2011) with Daniel Baldwin. She also worked in films like 1313: Cougar Cult (2012) and 3 Scream Queens (2014). In 2014, she was part of the web series Trophy Heads with Brinke Stevens and Michelle Bauer. Linnea was also featured in documentaries about actresses in horror films, such as Screaming in High Heels: The Rise & Fall of the Scream Queen Era (2011) and Screaming in High Heels: The Reunion (2020).

Other Talents: Music and Writing

Besides acting, Linnea Quigley is also a singer. In the early 1980s, she formed an all-female band called The Skirts. Their music was even featured in some of Linnea's movies. One of their songs, "Santa Monica Blvd. Boy," was released on a music compilation in 1983.

Linnea is also an author. She has written three books about her career and experiences. These books include The Linnea Quigley Bio & Chainsaw Book, I'm Screaming as Fast as I Can: My Life in B-Movies, and Skin.

Animal Rights Activism

Linnea Quigley is a strong supporter of animal rights. She is a member of PETA, an organization that works to protect animals. Linnea became a vegetarian in the late 1970s and later became a vegan. This means she does not eat any animal products, including meat, dairy, or eggs. In October 1990, she was featured on the cover of Vegetarian Times magazine.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Linnea's parents were Dorothy and Dr. William "Nip" Heath Quigley. Her father was a dean and vice president at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Linnea moved to California with her parents in 1976.

Linnea Quigley was married to special-effects artist Steve Johnson. They met while working on the film Night of the Demons (1988). They got married on January 17, 1990, but later divorced in 1992.

Filmography

Discography

• The Skirts
• Linnea Quigley and the Bi-Polar Bears: Surfboards and Chainsaws (2002)

See also

In Spanish: Linnea Quigley para niños