Mara Corday

Mara Corday, born Marilyn Joan Watts on January 3, 1930, in Santa Monica, California, was an American actress and model renowned for her roles in science fiction films during the 1950s and 1960s. She gained significant fame after starring in the cult classic horror film 'Tarantula' (1955), which established her as a popular figure in the genre. Corday began her career as a showgirl at the Earl Carroll Theatre and later transitioned to film, appearing in a variety of B-movies before securing more prominent roles. Despite facing challenges in her career following the death of her husband in 1974, she made a successful return to acting with the help of her friend Clint Eastwood, featuring in several of his projects. Corday passed away on February 9, 2023, in Valencia, California, from arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.