Beverly Garland, born Beverly Lucy Fessenden on October 17, 1926, in Santa Cruz, California, was a pioneering actress whose career spanned over five decades. Best known for her roles in television series like Scarecrow and Mrs. King and My Three Sons, Garland’s versatility and dedication to her craft earned her a place in television history. With a diverse range of roles that highlighted her talents in both drama and comedy, she became a beloved figure to audiences of multiple generations. Beyond her acting, Garland was also a savvy businesswoman and philanthropist, making her a multifaceted personality in Hollywood.
Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Beverly Garland’s path to stardom began early in her life. Born to James Atkins Fessenden, a singer and salesman, and Amelia Rose, a businesswoman, Garland had a natural flair for performing. The family moved frequently, which exposed young Beverly to different parts of the country and helped shape her outgoing personality. Her interest in acting blossomed during her high school years, where she participated in school plays and later attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute to sharpen her skills.
Garland began her career in radio, a medium that allowed her to practice and perfect her vocal delivery. This early experience helped develop the strong, commanding voice that would become one of her trademarks. After transitioning into television and film in the late 1940s, she found work in a variety of projects, including small movie roles and guest appearances on television series.
Breakthrough in B-Movies and Early Television
Beverly Garland quickly became a familiar face in Hollywood’s B-movie circuit during the 1950s. She appeared in a number of low-budget horror and science fiction films, earning a reputation for playing strong, independent women. One of her most notable early roles came in the 1956 film It Conquered the World, directed by cult favorite Roger Corman. In this film, Garland played the wife of a scientist who battles an alien invader, showcasing her talent for portraying tough, no-nonsense characters.
Garland’s work in B-movies led to steady roles in television, where she found her true calling. She starred in Decoy(1957-1959), a groundbreaking crime drama series where she played the lead role of Casey Jones, a policewoman working undercover in New York City. The show was significant for being one of the first American television series to feature a female police officer as the central character. Garland’s portrayal of the hard-boiled, gritty detective was ahead of its time, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of actresses in similar roles.
Transition to Television Stardom
Garland’s career continued to rise through the 1960s as she transitioned to more prominent roles on network television. She became a regular on the hit sitcom My Three Sons (1969-1972), playing Barbara Harper Douglas, the second wife of widower Steve Douglas (Fred MacMurray). Garland’s character was warmly received by audiences and helped further cement her status as a television star. Her work on My Three Sons showed her range, allowing her to step away from the tough roles of her early career to play a more nurturing and comedic character.
Scarecrow and Mrs. King: A Memorable Role
In the 1980s, Beverly Garland found herself in yet another career-defining role, this time on the popular television series Scarecrow and Mrs. King. Airing from 1983 to 1987, the show starred Bruce Boxleitner as Lee Stetson, a secret agent, and Kate Jackson as Amanda King, a civilian who becomes entangled in the world of espionage. Garland portrayed Dotty West, Amanda’s mother, a character that added depth and humor to the show. Although Dotty was unaware of her daughter’s secret spy activities, she was a key supporting character who provided warmth and comic relief.
Garland’s performance as Dotty West demonstrated her impeccable comedic timing, and she quickly became a fan favorite. Her portrayal of a doting, slightly overbearing, and often clueless mother was relatable to many viewers. Dotty’s interactions with Amanda provided a grounded, home-life contrast to the high-stakes world of espionage that her daughter navigated.
Garland’s work on Scarecrow and Mrs. King allowed her to connect with a new generation of television viewers and solidified her reputation as a versatile actress. The series became a hallmark of 1980s television, and Garland’s role contributed significantly to its success. Her ability to transition seamlessly from drama to comedy while portraying a multi-dimensional character was a testament to her enduring talent.
Other Notable Roles and Late Career
Throughout her career, Beverly Garland made guest appearances on numerous television shows, displaying her versatility across various genres. She appeared in episodes of The Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Big Valley, Mannix, and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, to name just a few. Garland was also a familiar face in made-for-TV movies, often taking on roles in both dramas and comedies.
In the later years of her career, Garland appeared in recurring roles on popular series such as Seventh Heaven (1996-2007), where she played Ginger Jackson, and Lois & Clark, in which she took on the role of Ellen Lane, Lois Lane’s mother. These roles showcased her ability to bring depth and relatability to maternal characters, a skill she had honed throughout her time on television.
A Businesswoman and Pioneer in Hospitality
In addition to her prolific acting career, Beverly Garland was also an accomplished businesswoman. In 1972, she and her husband, Fillmore Crank, opened the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood, California. The hotel became a popular destination for both tourists and industry professionals due to its proximity to Hollywood studios.
The Beverly Garland Hotel (now The Garland) was more than just a business venture; it became a symbol of her legacy off-screen. Garland was actively involved in the hotel’s operations and was a welcoming presence for guests. She ensured that her hotel maintained a family-friendly and personal atmosphere, reflecting the warmth she exuded in her acting career.
Personal Life and Legacy
Beverly Garland was married twice. Her first marriage to actor Richard Garland ended in divorce. In 1960, she married businessman Fillmore Crank, with whom she remained until his death in 1999. The couple had two children, and Garland balanced her career with her role as a devoted wife and mother.
Garland’s contributions to television, both as a performer and as a trailblazer for women in law enforcement roles, have left a lasting impact on the industry. Her pioneering role in Decoy was one of the earliest examples of a female-driven crime series, paving the way for later shows like Cagney & Lacey and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Her ability to transition between genres and formats—from B-movies to sitcoms to action-packed dramas—demonstrated her wide-ranging talent and staying power.
Beverly Garland passed away on December 5, 2008, at the age of 82. Her legacy, however, continues to live on through the many television shows and films that featured her, as well as through the thriving hotel she helped establish. Garland’s career is a testament to her versatility as an actress and her dedication to her craft, making her a cherished figure in Hollywood history. From pioneering roles in law enforcement dramas to her beloved portrayal of Dotty West in Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Beverly Garland remains a memorable and influential presence in the world of television.