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Actress Betsy Palmer Dies in Danbury Hospice at 88

Connecticut Public Radio | By Diane Orson
Published June 1, 2015 at 8:41 AM EDT
Public Domain
Betsy Palmer in 1960
Betsy Palmer died Friday of natural causes at a hospice care center in Danbury Connecticut.

Veteran character actress Betsy Palmer has died.  

Palmer  achieved lasting, though not necessarily sought-after, fame as the murderous camp cook in the cheesy 1980 horror film "Friday the 13th."

Palmer had a versatile career on television, including as the original letter turner on "Wheel of Fortune," and as a panelist on the game show "I've Got A Secret."

She starred in several soap operas such as "Knots Landing" and "As the World Turns."

In 2005 she received the Major Award from the New England Theatre Conference for her stage work, including her portrayal of Nellie Forbush in the Broadway hit "South Pacific."

Betsy Palmer died  Friday of natural causes at a hospice care center in Danbury Connecticut. She was 88 years old.

Watch a clip of Betsy Palmer as Mrs. Voorhees in "Friday the 13th."

This report contains information from the Associated Press.
Diane Orson
Diane Orson is a special correspondent with Connecticut Public. She is a longtime reporter and contributor to National Public Radio. Her stories have been heard on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, Here and Now; and The World from PRX. She spent seven years as CT Public Radio's local host for Morning Edition.
See stories by Diane Orson

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The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.

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