Carol Speed was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Big Bird Cage, The Mack, and Abby. Born as Carolyn Stewart on March 14, 1945, in Bakersfield, California, she made significant contributions to 1970s blaxploitation films and is remembered for her vibrant performances.
Personal and Family Life
Carol Speed was born to Cora Valrie Stewart and Freddie Lee Stewart. She had a brother and was a proud mother to her son, Mark Speed. In her early years, she was recognized as the first Black homecoming queen in Santa Clara County, showcasing her talent and charisma from a young age.
Career Highlights
Before becoming a notable actress, Speed worked as a backup singer for Bobbie Gentry. She made her film debut in The New Centurions in 1972. Carol found success in various cult films, showcasing her diverse acting skills, notably in Abby, where she portrayed a minister’s wife possessed by a demon. Throughout her career, she was also involved in writing and music, contributing original songs to several films.
Death and Legacy
Carol Speed passed away at the age of 76 on January 14, 2022, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Her work in cinema, especially within the blaxploitation genre, has left a lasting impact, and she is celebrated for her spirited portrayals during a pivotal time in film history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Big Bird Cage | 1972-07-01 | Mickie |
| The Mack | 1973-04-04 | Lulu |
| Black Samson | 1974-08-14 | Leslie |
| Disco Godfather | 1979-09-04 | Noel |
| Abby | 1974-12-25 | Abby Williams |
| Bummer | 1973-03-03 | Janyce |
| Savage! | 1973-05-01 | Amanda Cavanagh |
| The New Centurions | 1972-08-03 | Martha |
| Dynamite Brothers | 1974-05-01 | Sarah |
| The Girls of Huntington House | 1973-02-15 | Marlene |
| Love Hate Love | 1971-02-09 | Secretary |
| Getting Away from It All | 1972-01-18 | Town Clerk |
| The Psychiatrist: God Bless the Children | 1970-12-14 | (uncredited) |
| Sanford and Son | 1972-01-14 | Crystal Simpson |
| Julia | 1968-09-17 | Clara Dormin |
| The Paul Lynde Show | 1972-09-13 | Laverne |