The horror genre has lost one of its most beloved, iconic leading ladies, as CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON star Julie Adams has passed away at the age of 92.
Adams had a career that stretched nearly 70 years, and during that time she earned 149 screen credits. Her television work spanned from classics like Maverick, Bonanza, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Night Gallery, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, The Incredible Hulk, and The Andy Griffith Show to recent hits like CSI and Lost. Her film credits included PSYCHIC KILLER, THE KILLER INSIDE ME (1976 version), BLACK ROSES, and numerous Westerns. But it was one role that overshadowed them all.
To generations of fans, she will always be known for playing Kay Lawrence, the object of the titular monster's affections, in 1954's CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON.
Adams is survived by her sons Steve and Mitchell Danton.
It's sad to lose her, and we were truly lucky to have Julie Adams around for as long as we did. Reaching the age of 92 is quite an achievement, and over the years she was able to meet many of her fans. She clearly loved meeting them, as she made many convention appearances, even continuing to make appearances through 2018.
As seen below, Adams would even sit down for an interview with a fan's puppet stand-in.
Her film and television performances will continue to be watched and enjoyed for a long time to come. CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON especially. That shot of Adams swimming while the Creature swims below her is one of the genre's all-time greatest images.
Our condolences go out to her family, friends, and fans.