Trudi Ames
Trudi Ames (born Trudi Ziskind on November 10, 1946)[1] is a former actress most notable for her uncredited but memorable role in Bye Bye Birdie as Kim's best friend Ursula. She also had a notable role as Libby in Gidget Goes to Rome and was an extra in Gypsy. In a TV special on January 7, 1965, ABC recognized her as one of the entertainment industry's dozen "most promising young actresses". Ames also appeared on such television series as The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Make Room for Daddy, Green Acres and The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Trudi Ames | |
---|---|
Featured in the trailer for the musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie (1963) | |
Born | Trudi Ziskind November 10, 1946 |
Occupation | Actress, teacher, life coach |
Years active | 1958-1968 |
Spouse(s) | Steven R. Lenenberg
(m. 1971; div. 1974) |
Biography
Born November 10, 1946 in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Louis Ziskind, a social worker for Los Angeles' Jewish Committee for Personal Service, Ames married Steven R. Lenenberg in 1971; the couple divorced in 1974.[2]
Ames attended the University of California, Los Angeles where she was on the Dean's Honor List.[3][4]
Career
Ames in 1960 performed in the role of Cassie Devlin in the episode "The Sunday Man" on the television Western series Zane Grey Theatre. Three years later, at the age of 15, she made her film debut in the musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie.[5][6] She had a recurring role on the television show, Karen, where she played Debbie Watson's friend, Candy.[7] Ames appeared in other television shows during the 1960s, including episodes of Green Acres, Please Don't Eat the Daisies, My Three Sons and The Dick Van Dyke Show.[1] During that period, Ames was also chosen as one of "The Hollywood Deb Stars of 1966."[3]
Her post-acting life has included teaching in the Los Angeles area public schools for 20 years, and working for the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1978-83 as a brakeman and locomotive engineer.[8]
As Prashant Ziskind, she has worked as a life transitions coach, particularly for creative people including performance artists.[9]
Filmography
- The Impossible Years (1968)[1] as Francine
- Cinderella (1965) as Daughter
- The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1960; two episodes as Jenny)
- The Dick Van Dyke Show (1965; 1 episode as Margie)
- Gidget Goes to Rome (1963) as Libby Bennett
- Bye Bye Birdie (1963) as Ursula (uncredited)
- Gypsy (1962) as Scottish Girl (in Uncle Jocko Scene; uncredited)
- My Three Sons (1962) season 2, Blind Date, as Jenie Miller
References
- Inman, David (2002-11-03). "Trudi Ames, Pamelyn Ferdin Were Teen Stars 30 Years Ago". Democrat and Chronicle. p. 143. Retrieved 2018-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Louis Ziskind, 98; started hospital to treat mental illness". Articles.latimes.com. 2007-05-25. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
- "Dozen American Beauties". The Palm Beach Post. 1966. p. 38. Retrieved 2018-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- "El Paso Herald Post Newspaper Archives, Jan 1, 1966, p. 78". NewspaperArchive.com. 1966-01-01. Retrieved 2018-03-04.
- "Trudi Ames in 'Gidget'". The Evening Sun. 1963-02-13. p. 36. Retrieved 2018-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Las Vegas Sun Newspaper Archives, Jun 10, 1962, p. 50". NewspaperArchive.com. 1962-06-10. Retrieved 2018-03-04.
- "Trudi Ames of 'Karen' Is 'A' School Student". Hartford Courant. 1965-02-07. p. 132. Retrieved 2018-02-22 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Atlantis". Books.google.com. 2009-07-23. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
- Rick Benzel. "Inspiring Creativity: An Anthology of Powerful Insights and Practical Ideas". Books.google.com. Retrieved 2016-08-17.