Beatrice Colen was a gifted actress whose career in television and film spanned over two decades, best known for her portrayal of Etta Candy on the hit television series Wonder Woman. Colen’s charming and lively portrayal of Etta, the spunky secretary and friend to Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, became an integral part of the show’s appeal during its first two seasons. In addition to her work on Wonder Woman, Colen made a name for herself through roles in popular sitcoms and dramas, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.

Although Colen’s acting career was cut short by her untimely passing at the age of 51, she left behind a legacy of memorable performances that continue to resonate with fans of classic television. This biography explores Beatrice Colen’s early life, her time on Wonder Woman, her work in film and television, and her lasting impact as a beloved character actress.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Beatrice Colen was born on January 10, 1948, in New York City, into a family with deep connections to the arts and literature. She was the granddaughter of George S. Kaufman, the famed playwright, theater director, and Pulitzer Prize winner, known for his work on classic productions such as You Can’t Take It with You and The Man Who Came to Dinner. Growing up surrounded by creative influences, Colen was drawn to acting from an early age.

Colen attended the prestigious Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York and later studied at Sarah Lawrence College, a liberal arts institution with a strong emphasis on the performing arts. Her time at Sarah Lawrence allowed her to hone her acting skills, and she quickly developed a passion for the craft. After completing her education, Colen made the move to Los Angeles to pursue a professional acting career in television and film.

Breakthrough Roles: Happy Days and Wonder Woman

Beatrice Colen’s first major break came in 1974 when she was cast as Marsha Simms, a carhop at Arnold’s Drive-In, in the popular sitcom Happy Days. The role of Marsha Simms was a recurring part during the first season, and Colen’s lively performance as the roller-skating waitress became one of the show’s highlights. Although her time on Happy Days was relatively brief, it introduced her to a wider audience and helped establish her as a rising star in television.

In 1976, Colen landed the role that would define her career: Etta Candy on Wonder Woman. Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, Etta Candy was the best friend of Diana Prince, the alter ego of Wonder Woman (played by Lynda Carter). On the show, Etta was depicted as a secretary working for Steve Trevor (played by Lyle Waggoner) at the Inter-Agency Defense Command (IADC). While Wonder Woman took on villains and thwarted evil plots, Etta served as a humorous, loyal, and spirited companion to Diana in her day-to-day life.

Colen’s portrayal of Etta Candy was marked by a sense of humor, warmth, and relatability. Etta was not a superhero, but she was a fiercely loyal friend who supported Diana in any way she could. Colen’s comedic timing and expressive acting made Etta a fan-favorite character, and her presence brought a lighthearted touch to the series, balancing the action-packed and often dramatic storylines. Although Etta Candy’s character did not have superpowers, she played an essential role in humanizing the world of Wonder Woman, offering viewers a glimpse into Diana’s personal life and relationships outside of her heroic alter ego.

Etta appeared regularly during the first two seasons of Wonder Woman, which were set during World War II and focused on Wonder Woman’s efforts to combat Nazi threats. However, when the show transitioned into the 1970s in its third season, Colen’s character was written out, and her absence was felt by fans who had grown attached to her portrayal.

Despite her relatively short run on Wonder Woman, Colen’s performance as Etta Candy left a lasting impression on viewers, and her role continues to be celebrated by fans of the series. Her portrayal of the character also helped to establish Etta as an important part of Wonder Woman’s mythology, a character who has been reimagined in various other media, including comics and films.

Other Television and Film Roles

Outside of Wonder Woman and Happy Days, Beatrice Colen built a diverse career as a television actress, appearing in a wide range of popular shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Her talent for both comedy and drama allowed her to take on various roles across different genres.

Colen made guest appearances on several major television series, including The Odd Couple (1975), All in the Family(1977), The Love Boat (1978), and The Incredible Hulk (1981). These guest spots showcased her versatility, as she was able to shift from comedic roles to more serious characters with ease. Her ability to bring humor and warmth to her performances made her a sought-after actress for sitcoms and dramas alike.

In addition to her work on television, Colen appeared in several films throughout her career. She played a supporting role in Lifeguard (1976), a drama about a lifeguard (played by Sam Elliott) who is grappling with the direction of his life as he reaches middle age. Colen’s work in film was less frequent than her television roles, but she was nonetheless able to bring her signature charm and relatability to every part she played.

One of Colen’s strengths as an actress was her ability to embody characters who were both down-to-earth and quirky, characters who felt like real people with genuine emotions and motivations. This relatability endeared her to audiences and made her performances memorable even when her screen time was limited.

Personal Life and Later Career

In 1977, Beatrice Colen married actor Patrick Cronin, with whom she shared a deep bond both personally and professionally. The couple had two children together, and their marriage lasted until Colen’s untimely passing in 1999. Throughout their marriage, Colen and Cronin supported each other’s careers, with Colen continuing to work in television and theater while raising their family.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Colen’s acting career slowed down, as she focused more on her family life. However, she remained active in theater, a medium that had been a significant part of her early training. Colen’s stage work demonstrated her enduring love for acting, and she continued to perform in productions throughout her life.

Sadly, Beatrice Colen passed away on November 18, 1999, at the age of 51, after a battle with lung cancer. Her passing was a great loss to the entertainment industry, and her contributions to television remain a testament to her talent and dedication as an actress.

Legacy as a Beloved Character Actress

Beatrice Colen’s legacy is defined by her memorable performances and the warmth she brought to her characters. Her role as Etta Candy in Wonder Woman remains one of her most iconic portrayals, and fans of the series continue to celebrate her work on the show as a key part of what made Wonder Woman so beloved. Colen’s ability to balance humor, heart, and relatability made her a standout performer in every role she took on, whether it was on a sitcom, a drama, or the big screen.

Her work as a character actress earned her the admiration of colleagues and fans alike, and while her career was cut short by her passing, Colen’s contributions to the world of television remain timeless. Through her roles in Wonder Woman, Happy Days, and other popular series, Beatrice Colen left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and her performances continue to be appreciated by new generations of viewers.