Leslie Graves was an American actor best known for her role as Brenda Clegg in the daytime soap opera Capitol, as well as appearances in films such as Piranha II: The Spawning and Death Wish II. Born on September 29, 1959, in Silver City, New Mexico, she began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age.
Personal and Family Life
Leslie was married to Jerry Schoenkopf, and together they had two children: a daughter named Amanda and a son named Jimmy, who was born in 1994. She faced several challenges in her life, including struggles with substance abuse, particularly after the loss of her close friend and mentor, Carolyn Jones. Despite these struggles, Leslie remained dedicated to her family and her craft throughout her life.
Career Highlights
Leslie started her career at about 10 years old with small roles in theater and television, including performances in a Broadway play and popular shows like Sesame Street and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. After a brief hiatus, she returned to the spotlight in the early ’80s with notable roles in slasher films and eventually landed the iconic role of Brenda Clegg in Capitol, which gained her recognition and admiration from fans. Unfortunately, her career was cut short due to personal issues, leading to her departure from the soap opera.
Death and Legacy
Leslie Graves passed away on August 23, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, due to an AIDS-related illness. Her death marked the end of a tumultuous life, but she is remembered fondly for her contributions to television and film. Leslie’s story serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by many in the entertainment industry and the impact of personal battles on their lives and careers.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Piranha II: The Spawning | 1982-08-14 | Allison Dumont |
| Death Wish II | 1982-02-20 | Nirvana’s Girl #2 |
| Capitol | 1982-03-26 | Brenda Clegg |
| Here We Go Again | 1973-01-20 | Cindy Standish |
| The Mary Tyler Moore Show | 1970-09-19 | Dee Dee |