Carla Balenda was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “The Whip Hand,” “Hunt the Man Down,” and “Outlaw Women.” Born Sally Bliss, she made a significant impact in Hollywood during her acting career.
Personal and Family Life
Carla Balenda was born in Carthage, New York, and later moved to Amityville, Long Island. She received drama training in Rhode Island and was noticed by Howard Hughes, who invited her to Hollywood. She married her first husband, John Martin, a WWII pilot, when she was just 19, and they had two sons before divorcing in 1959. In 1965, she married attorney William Rutter, with whom she spent many years before his passing in 2012.
Death and Legacy
Carla Balenda passed away on April 9, 2024, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California. Her legacy includes not only her film and television roles but also her dedication to family and community service after stepping away from acting. She left behind a large family, including thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Whip Hand | 1951-10-01 | Janet Keller |
| Hunt the Man Down | 1950-12-26 | Rolene Wood |
| Outlaw Women | 1952-04-28 | Beth Larabee |
| The Pace That Thrills | 1952-03-01 | Eve Drake |
| Sealed Cargo | 1951-05-19 | Margaret McLean |
| Phantom Stallion | 1954-02-10 | Claire |
| Swing in the Saddle | 1944-07-30 | Judy Bayliss |
| Prince of Pirates | 1953-03-07 | Princess Maria |
| Rustlers of the Badlands | 1945-08-16 | Sally Boylston (as Sally Bliss) |
| Eadie Was a Lady | 1945-01-24 | Doris (as Sally Bliss) |
| The Adventures of Dr. Fu Manchu | 1956-09-03 | Betty Leonard |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Kay McKenzie |