Rebecca Balding, the veteran stage and film actress best known for her roles in the ABC classic “Soap” and the original “Charmed,” died Monday after a battle with ovarian cancer. Balding died in Park City, Utah, according to a statement from her husband, writer and director James L. Conway. She was 73 years old.
Balding was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and studied acting at the University of Kansas. Before moving to Hollywood, she lived in Chicago where she began her career as a stage actress.
The bald guest starred in dozens of TV series for nearly 30 years. One of her most memorable roles was playing Carol David in the ABC series “Soap”. Carol—who appeared in 19 episodes from 1978 to 1980—is a lawyer who seduces gay television commercial director Judy Dallas (Billy Crystal) and ends up pregnant.
Balding also appeared as Elise Rothman, boss of Alyssa Milano, on the drama series “Charmed” that aired from 1998 to 2006, and Corky Crandall in the late 1970s on the ABC sitcom “Makin’ It.” Her other TV credits include “Melrose Place”, “Beverly Hills 90210”, “Home Improvement”, “Designing Women”, “7th Heaven”, “MacGyver”, “Family Ties”, “Hotel”, “Matt Houston Cagney & Lacey” and “Starsky and Hutch,” “The Bionic Woman,” and “Lou Grant.” Julie portrayed Ed Asner’s daughter in the 1977 television movie “The Gathering,” along with its sequel.
Known as an early scream queen, Balding starred in the horror films Silent Scream as Scottie Parker and Boggins as Trish Michaels.
Balding is survived by her husband, writer and director James L. Conway, daughters Sarah and Kathleen, and grandchildren.
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