Betsy Palmer

Acting

Betsy Palmer

Born November 1, 1926 · East Chicago, Indiana, USA

Died May 29, 2015 · aged 88

Betsy Palmer (November 1, 1926 – May 29, 2015) was an American actress, best known as a regular panelist on the game show I've Got a Secret and later for playing Mrs. Voorhees in the slasher film Friday the 13th (1980).

Known For

Friday the 13thFriday the 13th · 1980
Friday the 13th
6.41980
MovieHorror
Camp counselors are stalked and murdered by an unknown assailant while trying to reopen a summer camp that was the site of a child's drowning.
Friday the 13th Part 2Friday the 13th Part 2 · 1981
Friday the 13th Part 2
6.21981
MovieHorrorThriller
Five years after the horrible bloodbath at Camp Crystal Lake, new counselors roam the area, not sensing the ominous lurking presence that proves that the grisly legend is real.
Friday the 13th Part IIIFriday the 13th Part III · 1982
Friday the 13th Part III
5.91982
MovieHorrorThriller
An idyllic summer turns into a nightmare of unspeakable terror for yet another group of naïve friends. Ignoring Camp Crystal Lake's bloody legacy, one by one they fall victim to the maniacal Jason, who stalks them at every turn...
Friday the 13th: The Final ChapterFriday the 13th: The Final Chapter · 1984
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
6.11984
MovieHorror
After his revival in a hospital morgue, Jason fixes his vengeful attention on the Jarvis family and a group of hitherto carefree teenagers.
Goddess of LoveGoddess of Love · 1988
Goddess of Love
5.51988
MovieFantasyComedy
The god Zeus sends Venus, the goddess of love, to Earth to find her own true love.
The Tin StarThe Tin Star · 1957
The Tin Star
7.01957
MovieWestern
An experienced bounty hunter helps a young sheriff learn the meaning of his badge.
The Long Gray LineThe Long Gray Line · 1955
The Long Gray Line
7.01955
MovieComedyDrama
The life story of a salt-of-the-earth Irish immigrant, who becomes an Army Noncommissioned Officer and spends his 50 year career at the United States Military Academy at West Point. This includes his job-related experiences as well as his family life and the relationships he develops with young cadets with whom he befriends. Based on the life of a real person.
Mister RobertsMister Roberts · 1955
Mister Roberts
7.11955
MovieComedyDrama
Mr. Roberts is a Navy officer who's yearning for battle but is stuck in the backwaters of World War II on a non-commissioned ship run by the bullying Captain Morton.

Movies

Friday the 13thFriday the 13th · 1980
Friday the 13th
6.41980
MovieHorror
Camp counselors are stalked and murdered by an unknown assailant while trying to reopen a summer camp that was the site of a child's drowning.
Friday the 13th Part 2Friday the 13th Part 2 · 1981
Friday the 13th Part 2
6.21981
MovieHorrorThriller
Five years after the horrible bloodbath at Camp Crystal Lake, new counselors roam the area, not sensing the ominous lurking presence that proves that the grisly legend is real.
Friday the 13th Part IIIFriday the 13th Part III · 1982
Friday the 13th Part III
5.91982
MovieHorrorThriller
An idyllic summer turns into a nightmare of unspeakable terror for yet another group of naïve friends. Ignoring Camp Crystal Lake's bloody legacy, one by one they fall victim to the maniacal Jason, who stalks them at every turn...
Friday the 13th: The Final ChapterFriday the 13th: The Final Chapter · 1984
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
6.11984
MovieHorror
After his revival in a hospital morgue, Jason fixes his vengeful attention on the Jarvis family and a group of hitherto carefree teenagers.
Goddess of LoveGoddess of Love · 1988
Goddess of Love
5.51988
MovieFantasyComedy
The god Zeus sends Venus, the goddess of love, to Earth to find her own true love.
The Tin StarThe Tin Star · 1957
The Tin Star
7.01957
MovieWestern
An experienced bounty hunter helps a young sheriff learn the meaning of his badge.
The Long Gray LineThe Long Gray Line · 1955
The Long Gray Line
7.01955
MovieComedyDrama
The life story of a salt-of-the-earth Irish immigrant, who becomes an Army Noncommissioned Officer and spends his 50 year career at the United States Military Academy at West Point. This includes his job-related experiences as well as his family life and the relationships he develops with young cadets with whom he befriends. Based on the life of a real person.
Mister RobertsMister Roberts · 1955
Mister Roberts
7.11955
MovieComedyDrama
Mr. Roberts is a Navy officer who's yearning for battle but is stuck in the backwaters of World War II on a non-commissioned ship run by the bullying Captain Morton.
James Dean and MeJames Dean and Me · 1995
James Dean and Me
8.81995
MovieDocumentaryTV Movie
A documentary about James Dean. People who knew him or had worked with him reminisce.
Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13thCrystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th · 2013
Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th
7.92013
MovieDocumentary
Taking inspiration from Peter M. Bracke's definitive book of the same name, this seven-hour documentary dives into the making of all twelve Friday the 13th films, with all-new interviews from the cast and the crew.
It Happened to JaneIt Happened to Jane · 1959
It Happened to Jane
6.21959
MovieComedyRomance
Jane Osgood runs a lobster business, which supports her two young children. Railroad staff inattention ruins her shipment, so with her lawyer George, Jane sues Harry Foster Malone, director of the line and the "meanest man in the world".
Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie StarJoan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star · 2002
Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star
6.92002
MovieDocumentaryTV Movie
In this documentary on the life of Joan Crawford, we learn why she should be remembered as the great actress she was, and not only as "mommie dearest." caricature she has become. Friends, fellow actors, directors, and others reminisce about their association with her, and numerous film clips show off her talent from her start in silents to bad science fiction/horror movies at the end of her career.
His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13thHis Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th · 2010
His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th
6.72010
MovieDocumentary
A retrospective documentary about the groundbreaking horror series, Friday the 13th, featuring interviews with cast and crew from the twelve films spanning 3 decades.
Return to Crystal Lake: Making 'Friday the 13th'Return to Crystal Lake: Making 'Friday the 13th' · 2003
Return to Crystal Lake: Making 'Friday the 13th'
6.42003
MovieDocumentary
Cast and crew discuss how a no-budget slasher movie became an international sensation. Produced for the "Friday the 13th" DVD.
The Last Angry ManThe Last Angry Man · 1959
The Last Angry Man
6.91959
MovieDrama
Dr. Sam Abelman is a Jewish doctor contentedly spending his autumn years serving his own Brooklyn neighborhood. But when his nephew, would-be journalist Myron, writes an article about him, it draws the attention of a producer, Woodrow Thrasher, who believes Dr. Abelman a good candidate for a TV show. The doctor, however, is suspicious of the whole enterprise, thinking both Myron and Thrasher are simply out to make a fast buck.
Bell Witch: The MovieBell Witch: The Movie · 2007
Bell Witch: The Movie
5.52007
MovieHorrorDrama
John and William Bell find an ancient burial site and bring a cursed spirit home with them. The spirit is enraged by the love between their sister Betsy and her fiance, and their only hope of escaping is death.
Death TideDeath Tide · 1955
Death Tide
6.71955
MovieCrime
A ship with a cargo full of diamonds gets taken over by pirates.
Queen BeeQueen Bee · 1955
Queen Bee
6.31955
MovieDrama
A wicked Southern woman ruthlessly manipulates her family.
Broadway: Beyond the Golden AgeBroadway: Beyond the Golden Age · 2021
Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age
2021
MovieDocumentary
Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age explores the world of Broadway from 1959 through the early 1980s as recounted by a diverse cast of Broadway stars who lived through it, creating a first-hand archive of personal backstage stories and memories. The new documentary is the long-awaited sequel to late filmmaker Rick McKay’s award-winning 2003 film Broadway: The Golden Age, continuing the saga into the '60s and '70s and spotlighting beloved classic Broadway shows including Once Upon a Mattress, Bye Bye Birdie, Barefoot in the Park, Pippin, A Chorus Line, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Chicago, and 42nd Street. Featuring a galaxy of stars including Alec Baldwin, Carol Burnett, Glenn Close, André De Shields, Jane Fonda, Robert Goulet, Liza Minnelli, Chita Rivera, Dick Van Dyke, Ben Vereen, and many more, the film also includes rare archival photos and never-before-seen footage both onstage and off.
Still Not Quite HumanStill Not Quite Human · 1992
Still Not Quite Human
4.91992
MovieTV MovieComedy
In the final film of the series, Chip and his "father" attend a robotics convention. Here, Dr. Carson is kidnapped and replaced by an android. Can Chip and his newfound friends save Dr. Carson from a dangerous competitor?
Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher FilmGoing to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film · 2006
Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film
6.82006
MovieDocumentary
This historical and critical look at slasher films, which includes dozens of clips, begins with Halloween, Friday the 13th, and Prom Night. The films' directors, writers, producers, and special effects creators comment on the films' making and success. During the Reagan years, the films get gorier, budgets get smaller, and their appeal wanes. Then, Nightmare on Elm Street revives the genre. Jump to the late 90s, when Scream brings humor and TV stars into the mix.
The Fear: ResurrectionThe Fear: Resurrection · 1999
The Fear: Resurrection
3.81999
MovieHorrorThriller
It's death-by-fear (aka scared-to-death) in this deceptively psychological thriller. The hero, Mike brings his friends to his grandparents' house for a Halloween party wherein they will all dress up as their innermost fears. Mike's fear is that he's inherited a homicidal legacy from his father. Mike's father was a serial killer who murdered his mother right in front of him when Mike was five before committing suicide. Mike's fear manifests itself in his inability to commit to his girlfriend of 4 1/2 years, Peg for fear that he will kill her too. Everything gets rolling when an ancient Indian totem wooden figure named Morty comes to life and starts killing off Mike's friends by making their worst fears come true. The ultimate confrontation comes when Mike has to face his greatest fear - his own father.
Isabel's ChoiceIsabel's Choice · 1981
Isabel's Choice
1981
MovieDramaTV Movie
When the boss she helped climb the corporate ladder is forced into early retirement, a widowed executive secretary must choose between his surprise marriage proposal or new challenges and continuing her career by helping his successor adjust to his company duties.
No Time at AllNo Time at All · 1958
No Time at All
8.01958
MovieComedyDrama
An airliner flying nonstop at night from Miami to New York fails to check in, then disappears from radar. We see how its disappearance affects people on the ground.

TV Shows

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson · 1962
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
7.51962
Series
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a talk show hosted by Johnny Carson under The Tonight Show franchise from 1962 to 1992. It originally aired during late-night. For its first ten years, Carson's Tonight Show was based in New York City with occasional trips to Burbank, California; in May 1972, the show moved permanently to Burbank, California. In 2002, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was ranked #12 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
ColumboColumbo · 1971
Columbo
8.11971
SeriesCrimeDrama
Columbo is a friendly, verbose, disheveled-looking police detective who is consistently underestimated by his suspects. Despite his unprepossessing appearance and apparent absentmindedness, he shrewdly solves all of his cases and secures all evidence needed for indictment. His formidable eye for detail and meticulously dedicated approach often become clear to the killer only late in the storyline.
Murder, She WroteMurder, She Wrote · 1984
Murder, She Wrote
7.51984
SeriesMysteryCrime
An unassuming mystery writer turned sleuth uses her professional insight to help solve real-life homicide cases.
The Love BoatThe Love Boat · 1977
The Love Boat
6.31977
SeriesDramaComedy
Passengers who search for romantic nights aboard a beautiful ship travelling to tropical or mysterious countries, decide to pass their vacation aboard the "Love Boat", where Gopher, Dr. Bricker, Isaac, Julie, and Captain Stubing try their best to please them, and sometimes help them fall in love. Things are not always so easy, but in the end, love wins.
Knots LandingKnots Landing · 1979
Knots Landing
6.91979
SeriesDrama
The domestic adventures, misdeeds and everyday interactions of five families living on a cul-de-sac in a small California community.
The Merv Griffin ShowThe Merv Griffin Show · 1962
The Merv Griffin Show
6.61962
Series
Climax!Climax! · 1954
Climax!
3.81954
SeriesDramaMystery
Climax! is an American anthology series that aired on CBS from 1954 to 1958. The series was hosted by William Lundigan and later co-hosted by Mary Costa. It was one of the few CBS programs of that era to be broadcast in color. Many of the episodes were performed and broadcast live.
The Philco Television PlayhouseThe Philco Television Playhouse · 1948
The Philco Television Playhouse
6.61948
SeriesDrama
The Philco Television Playhouse is an American anthology series that was broadcast live on NBC from 1948 to 1955. Produced by Fred Coe, the series was sponsored by Philco. It was one of the most respected dramatic shows of the Golden Age of Television, winning a 1954 Peabody Award and receiving eight Emmy nominations between 1951 and 1956.
T. J. HookerT. J. Hooker · 1982
T. J. Hooker
6.51982
SeriesDramaCrime
Sergeant Thomas Jefferson Hooker is a tough-as-nails veteran police officer with the LCPD who turns his back on a gold badge and goes back to patrolling the streets and training recruits. Along with his young partners in blue, Hooker take on Lake City's toughest criminals.
Studio OneStudio One · 1948
Studio One
5.41948
SeriesDrama
An American radio–television anthology series, created in 1947 by Canadian director Fletcher Markle, who came to CBS from the CBC. Studio One, presented by Westinghouse, was one of the first of the anthology TV programs. The episodes were often abridged remakes of movies from years gone by and many future well-known television and movie actors appeared in the productions.
NewhartNewhart · 1982
Newhart
7.11982
SeriesComedyDrama
Dick Loudon and his wife Joanna decide to leave life in New York City and buy a little inn in Vermont. Dick is a how-to book writer, who eventually becomes a local TV celebrity as host of "Vermont Today." George Utley is the handyman at the inn and Leslie Vanderkellen is the maid, with ambitions of being an Olympic Ski champion; she is later replaced by her cousin Stephanie, an heiress who hates her job. Her boyfriend is Dick's yuppie TV producer, Michael Harris. There are many other quirky characters in this fictional little town, including Dick's neighbors Larry, Darryl, and Darryl...three brothers who buy the Minuteman Cafe from Kirk Devane. Besides sharing a name, Darryl and Darryl never speak.
What's My Line?What's My Line? · 1950
What's My Line?
7.01950
SeriesFamilyComedy
Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while blindfolded, their identity - by asking only "yes" or "no" questions.
The Ed Sullivan ShowThe Ed Sullivan Show · 1948
The Ed Sullivan Show
6.81948
SeriesComedy
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows. In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
Just Shoot Me!Just Shoot Me! · 1997
Just Shoot Me!
6.61997
SeriesComedy
See the inner workings of a high-style magazine owned by Jack Gallo, who has hired his quick-tempered but talented daughter, Maya, to write for the publication. Challenging her at every turn is Nina, a vain and superficial former model. Then there's photographer Elliot, a man who is very popular with his portrait subjects as well as other women. completing the core staff is her father's assistant, Dennis, a glorified secretary who is generally disrespectful to one and all.
Charles in ChargeCharles in Charge · 1984
Charles in Charge
6.11984
SeriesComedy
Charles, a 19-year-old student at the fictional Copeland College in New Brunswick, New Jersey, works as a live-in babysitter in exchange for room and board.
I've Got a SecretI've Got a Secret · 1952
I've Got a Secret
7.71952
Series
A panel tries to determine a contestant's secret: something that is unusual, amazing, embarrassing, or humorous about that person.
Playhouse 90Playhouse 90 · 1956
Playhouse 90
7.61956
SeriesDrama
Playhouse 90 is an American television anthology series that was telecast on CBS from 1956 to 1960 for a total of 133 episodes. It originated from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California. Since live anthology drama series of the mid-1950s were usually hour-long shows, the title highlighted the network's intention to present something unusual, a weekly series of hour-and-a-half dramas rather than 60-minute plays. Playhouse 90 began as a pitch by Frank Stanton—the formidable, forward-thinking right-hand man to CBS chairman William S. Paley—during a brainstorming session for program ideas. The project was ultimately developed by Hubbell Robinson, a CBS vice president who received no screen credit on Playhouse 90 but is often described as its creator.
CHiPsCHiPs · 1977
CHiPs
6.91977
SeriesDrama
Lighthearted look at the adventures of two Highway Patrol officers in Los Angeles. The main characters are Jon Baker and Frank Poncherello, two motorcycle officers always on the street to save lives.
Inner SanctumInner Sanctum · 1954
Inner Sanctum
8.01954
SeriesMystery
Hallmark Hall of FameHallmark Hall of Fame · 1951
Hallmark Hall of Fame
8.81951
SeriesDrama
Long-running anthology program sponsored by Hallmark Cards. Beginning in 1951 and continuing into 2019, the series received 80 Emmy Awards, 24 Christopher Awards, 11 Peabody Awards, 9 Golden Globes, and 4 Humanitas Prizes. Early seasons were a weekly live drama, eventually transitioning to videotaped and then filmed productions broadcast as occasional specials.
FreakyLinksFreakyLinks · 2000
FreakyLinks
6.62000
SeriesDramaComedy
Derek Barnes, assisted by his friends Chloe and Jason, runs a website called "FreakyLinks.com" that seeks out the dark and forbidden truths behind paranormal phenomena and urban legends. He took over the site after his twin brother, Adam, died under mysterious circumstances. Follow as Derek and his friends investigate supernatural claims for the website and uncover clues that might reveal the truth of his brother's fate.
E! True Hollywood StoryE! True Hollywood Story · 1996
E! True Hollywood Story
8.21996
SeriesDocumentary
E! True Hollywood Story is an American documentary series on E! that deals with famous Hollywood celebrities, movies, TV shows and also well-known public figures. Among the topics covered on the program include salacious re-tellings of Hollywood secrets, show-biz scandals, celebrity murders and mysteries, porn-star biographies, and "where-are-they-now?" investigations of former child stars. It frequently features in-depth interviews, actual courtroom footage, and dramatic reenactments. When aired on the E! network, episodes will be updated to reflect the current life or status of the subject.
General Electric TheaterGeneral Electric Theater · 1953
General Electric Theater
6.81953
SeriesComedyDrama
General Electric Theater is an American anthology series hosted by Ronald Reagan that was broadcast on CBS radio and television. The series was sponsored by General Electric's Department of Public Relations.
MaggieMaggie · 1981
Maggie
10.01981
SeriesComedy
Based on books by Erma Bombeck, Maggie Weston is a housewife living with husband Len and sons Mark and Bruce outside of Dayton, Ohio. There is a third son, LJ, who is never seen because he's "always in the bathroom." Rounding out the main cast are Maggie's friends.