Stephanie Beacham

Stephanie Beacham

Born in Casablanca to English parents (her father was a globetrotting insurance executive), Stephanie Beacham prepared for an acting career by taking private lessons in Paris and attending London's RADA. Beacham was 17 when she made her professional bow in a regional production of Servant of Two Masters. She first appeared on British television in 1967, in films in 1969, and, finally, on the London stage in 1970. Having been trained in Shakespeare, Shaw and Pinter, Beacham wasn't altogether prepared for the cult worship attending her breakthrough film appearance as the masochistic, sexually insatiable Miss Jessel in The Nightcomers (1970). During production, she endeared herself to the crew by refusing to take any guff from her co-star Marlon Brando, even while she lay naked in bed, bound hand and foot. After this auspicious appearance, Beacham's film assignments were largely confined to such kinky roles as Jessica Alucard in Dracula 1972. She was permitted a wider range on British television, playing strong, take-charge roles in the series Tenko (1982) and Connie (1984). In 1985, Stephanie was cast as velvety villainess Sable Colby on the nighttime TV serial The Colbys, a role she later reprised on the spin-off soaper Dynasty (1988). Feeling that a change of venue would do her some good, Beachum accepted the title role in the 1989 sitcom Sister Kate. She was quite convincing as a feisty nun, though fans complained that her voluminous habits obstructed her now-famous decollatage. Stephanie Beacham's subsequent weekly TV roles have included Tris McKay on Beverly Hills 90210 (1990) and Dr. Kristin Westphalen on Seaquest DSV (1993). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide