Beverly Sassoon (née Adams; born November 7, 1945) is a Canadian-American actress and author.

Early life

Adams was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, but is a citizen of the United States. She is the daughter of Wayne Adams and his wife. Raised Roman Catholic, she moved with her family to Burbank, California after the war where, as a teen, she competed in and won beauty contests before becoming an actress. She began working as a model while she was a student at Valley State College.

Adams, who initially wanted to become a doctor, had a weekend job in a dress shop while she worked during the week as secretary to a Superior Court judge in Los Angeles. When the dress shop had a fashion show televised, Adams modeled some of the dresses. An advertising man saw her modeling on that broadcast and invited her to make a commercial at a local television station. Ozzie Nelson was at the station at the same time, and he invited her to play a bit part in an episode of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

Acting

Beverly Adams in trailer for How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (1965)

Adams appeared in various guest roles in television series of the 1960s, including a recurring role on the Dr. Kildare TV series. She was selected for Columbia Pictures' New Talent Program and was signed to a contract where she appeared on several Screen Gems television series and several films, including the recurring role of Lovey Kravezit in the Matt Helm movies starring Dean Martin.

After appearing uncredited in two films with Elvis Presley, Roustabout and Girl Happy, she played the redheaded Cassandra in How to Stuff a Wild Bikini

Post-acting career

During her retirement from acting, Adams, going by her married name of Beverly Sassoon, published several books and served as a spokeswoman for Vidal Sassoon, Inc.

She launched her own line of pet care products, Beverly Sassoon Pet Care System.

Personal life

Adams met hairstylist Vidal Sassoon when she was sent to his London salon while she was filming Torture Garden. They married on February 16, 1967.

They had four children, including Catya. In 1981, the couple divorced, and Adams returned to acting. She married a matador, Antonio Migoni, but the marriage was annulled. Adams later married Philip Neal, whom she described as "the love of my life". Neal died in 2008.

In November 2022, Adams was profiled in Classic Images, where she discussed her onscreen career.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1963The Adventures of Ozzie and HarrietGloriaEpisode: "Wally's Pen Pal"
1964ChanningThe 1st CoedEpisode: "My Son, the All-American"
1964Dr. KildareVarious roles2 episodes
1964The New InternsLisaUncredited
1964RoustaboutCoraUncredited
1964–1965Burke's LawVarious roles3 episodes
1965Girl HappyGirl #2Uncredited
1965BewitchedDora "D. D." Danger O'RileyEpisode: "George the Warlock"
1965How to Stuff a Wild BikiniCassandra
1965GidgetTreasureEpisode: "In God, and Nobody Else, We Trust"
1965Winter A-Go-GoJo Ann Wallace
1965Camp RunamuckPretty womanEpisode: "The New Swimming Pool"
1966The SilencersLovey Kravezit
1966Birds Do ItClaudine Wald
1966Se Tutte le Donne del MondoKarinAlternative title: If All the Women in the World
1966Murderers' RowLovey Kravezit
1967Devil's AngelsLynn
1967The AmbushersLovey Kravezit
1967Torture GardenCarla Hayes
1968HammerheadIvory
1980Quincy, M.E.Dr. Jerri McCrackenEpisode: "New Blood"
1982CHiPsVanessaEpisode: "Head Over Heels"
1992Silk StalkingsAnna AlexisEpisode: "Baser Instincts"
1996Mind GamesBoard Member #1
1996The GuiltVivian CornellEpisode: "Dean's Office"
1997–1999ProfilerVarious roles2 episodes

Awards nominations

YearAwardCategoryResult
1967Laurel AwardsFemale New FaceNominated

External links