Jillian Kesner-Graver
Jillian Kesner-Graver (August 9, 1949 – December 5, 2007) was an American actress and historian who worked with her husband, Gary Graver, to preserve the work and legacy of director Orson Welles. She was best known as an actress for playing Fonzie's girlfriend, Lorraine, on Happy Days.[1]
Early life
Kesner-Graver was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on August 9, 1949. Her father was in the United States Navy and she spent much of her childhood in Denver, Colorado. She first moved to Los Angeles in 1959 where she worked as a model before getting into television and movie acting.[2]
Career
Kesner-Graver was best known for playing Fonzie's girlfriend, Lorraine, on Happy Days. She was credited as Jillian Kesner on Happy Days, as well as her other television and movie roles. She appeared in a large number of "B-rated" films throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Her credits included Raw Force, Starhops and Jaded. She developed a large following among fans of B-level action films.[1]
She appeared on a number of television shows, including Three's Company, The Rockford Files and Mork & Mindy. She met her husband, director and cinematographer, Gary Graver, on the set of the film The Student Body in 1976.[1]
Death
Jillian Kesner-Graver died on December 5, 2007 in Irvine, California of complications from a staph infection, which she contracted after having been diagnosed with leukemia. She was 58 years old.[2]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | The Student Body | Carrie | |
| 1978 | Starhops | Angel | |
| 1980 | Ang agila at ang falcon | ||
| 1981 | Firecracker | Susanne Carter | aka Naked Fist in Australia |
| 1982 | Raw Force | Cookie Winchell | aka Kung Fu Cannibals |
| Trick or Treats | Andrea | ||
| 1987 | Moon in Scorpio | Claire | |
| Evil Town | Dorothy | ||
| 1989 | Jaded | Sara | |
| Beverly Hills Vamp | Claudia | ||
| 1992 | Roots of Evil | Brenda | |
| 1996 | Subliminal Seduction | Cherl | Made for TV Movie |
| 1997 | Operation Cobra | Jasmine | aka Inferno |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | S.W.A.T. | Miss California | Guest Star |
| 1976 | The Blue Knight | Lady in swimsuit | Guest Star |
| Happy Days | Patty Petrolunga | Guest Star | |
| 1977 | The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries | Paula Clark | Guest Star |
| Happy Days | Lorraine | Guest Star | |
| 1979 | Co-ed Fever | Melba | Main cast |
| The Rockford Files | Lily Showalter | Guest Star | |
| The Ropers | Linda Graham | Guest Star | |
| 1981 | Three's Company | The Sister | Guest Star |
| 1982 | Mork & Mindy | Judi | Guest Star |
| 1983 | T.J. Hooker | Crystal | Guest Star |
References
- 1 2 3 Jillian Kesner-Graver at the Internet Movie Database
- 1 2 Death of Jillian Kesner-Graver, variety.com; accessed August 4, 2015.