[Timesink]

Slain actress hoped for new career

February 6 2003

She was a statuesque blonde siren who idolised Marilyn Monroe. Like her idol, she had a devoted cult following. Like her idol, she met a tragic end.

Lana Clarkson, the actress who was shot to death early on Monday at the mock castle mansion of the music producer Phil Spector, was a B-movie bombshell who starred in the sword and sorcery epic The Barbarian Queen - said to be the model for the television series Xena: Warrior Princess - and the sci-fi spoof Amazon Women on the Moon, not to mention Vice Girls. She was discovered by the B-movie king Roger Corman.

There were 17 films altogether and she had just started working as a hostess at the House of Blues nightclub on Sunset Strip while a new agent tried to conjure up a fresh screen image for the now 40-year-old blonde - that of character actor and comic.

The agent, Ray Cavaleri, said he took the 1.8-metre-tall Clarkson as a client four months ago, hoping to place her in a TV pilot this northern spring.

"She had been one of the starlets some years ago, more of a sexy, femme fatale kind of actress and now was making the transition to more comedy and character roles," Mr Cavaleri said. "We were looking forward to a nice pilot season."

Clarkson's lawyer, Roderick Lindblom, issued a statement on Tuesday from her family thanking "Lana's extended family, friends and fans for the outpouring of love and support that they have shown during this extremely difficult time".

Sources said the actress left the House of Blues with Spector on Sunday night following a heavy metal concert. She was found shot to death in the foyer of Spector's mansion a few hours later.

Spector was charged with murder but was released on $US1million ($1.7million) bail.

Mr Cavaleri said he was unaware of any relationship between Clarkson and Spector.

"I was hoping it was somebody else," he said of the murder. "She was very sweet to me."

Agencies

[ricpic]

"I have devils inside that fight me."

So who doesn't?!

[tallhappy]

I was crippled inside

He's regurgitating Lennon lyrics. Songs he probably produced.

[Enterprise]

Well, just start playing "Jailhouse Rock" a lot and you'll start feeling much better Phil.

[alphadog]

"Because happiness is temporary. Unhappiness is temporary. Ecstasy is temporary. Orgasm is temporary. Everything is temporary.

Spending the rest of your life in jail, won't be temporary...

[vetvetdoug]

Phil Spector says I have not been well"

Well, Lena Clarkson don't look too good right now either....

[Dinsdale]

he had worked with the greatest rock group of them all.

Yes he did, 'the Ramones'

[John O]

He needs to meet Jesus. All the rest of this stuff (money success music etc) just can't fill the hole in his heart. That hole can only be filled by Jesus.

[BunnySlippers]

He is wearing - the strangest thing - a wristwatch that on the hour makes a whirring noise, like a cuckoo clock, and speaks the time: "It's three o'clock."

Hmm ... I want one!