Beautiful, talented performer who unfortunately--perhaps because she was a former "Playboy" centerfold--was typecast in undemanding, sexpot roles through the 1960s. Although Stevens first gained attention as the vamp, Appassionata von Climax, in the film "Li'l Abner" (1959), it wasn't until John Cassavetes' "Too Late Blues" (1962) and Sam Peckinpah's lyrical "The Ballad of Cable Hogue" (1970) that she was able to showcase her dramatic and comedic gifts. She later produced and directed a feature-length documentary, "The American Heroine" (1979), and has appeared on numerous TV shows. She directed her first feature, "The Ranch", starring her son Andrew Stevens, in 1989.
Family
FATHER: Thomas Eggleston.
MOTHER: Dovey Estelle Eggleston.
SON: Andrew Stevens. Actor. Born in 1955 in Memphis TN.
Companion
HUSBAND: Noble Herman Stephens. Married on September 1, 1954; divorced.
Milestone
Spotted by Fox talent scout in college production of "Bus Stop"
Modeled as Playboy centerfold at age 19
1959: Film debut, "Say One For Me"
1962: TV debut on "Johnny Ringo" episode
1971: TV film debut, "In Broad Daylight"
1981 - 1982: Starred on TV series, "Flamingo Road"
Directorial debut with the A.F.I. Film, "Just For a Laugh"
1979: Directed first feature-length documentary, "The American Heroine"
1989: Directed first feature film, "The Ranch"
Formed production company, Stellavisions
1996: Joined cast of ABC soap "General Hospital"
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