Colleen Camp

Colleen Celeste Camp (born June 7, 1953) is an American actress and film producer known for her distinctive character roles in comedies and dramas spanning over five decades, including standout performances as the seductive maid Yvette in Clue (1985) and the meddlesome mother in Election (1999).^[1][2] Born in San Francisco, California, Camp began her career as a child performer at age three in regional theater and later worked as a bird trainer at Busch Gardens before breaking into television as a Gold Digger dancer on The Dean Martin Comedy Hour in the late 1960s.^[1] Her film debut came in 1973 with a small role in Battle for the Planet of the Apes, followed by early appearances in exploitation comedies like The Swinging Cheerleaders (1974) and the satirical Smile (1975).^[2] Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she gained prominence in ensemble films such as They All Laughed (1981), the Police Academy series (as Cadet/Mrs. Fackler in parts 2 and 4), Wayne's World (1992), and Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), often playing quirky, vivacious supporting characters that highlighted her comedic timing.^[3][2] In addition to acting, Camp has built a substantial producing career since the late 1990s, with credits including An American Rhapsody (2001), Knock Knock (2015), She's Funny That Way (2014), and more recent projects like Father Stu (2022) as executive producer and Day of the Fight (2023).^[3] Her recent acting work features roles in Back on the Strip (2023), Wild Eyed and Wicked (2024), and Bride Hard (2025), where she also produces, demonstrating her enduring presence in independent and mainstream cinema. Camp continues to contribute to the entertainment industry through both performance and production.^[3]

Early life and education

Early life

Colleen Camp was born Colleen Celeste Camp on June 7, 1953, in San Francisco, California.^[4] She is the daughter of Dorothy Camp and Wilson Camp, an actor known for roles in films such as Night of the Comet (1984).^[5][6] Camp has two brothers, Don and Glen.^[7] Her family relocated from San Francisco to the San Fernando Valley in the Los Angeles area when she was a young girl.^[7] From an early age, Camp displayed a keen interest in performance, starting her career as a juvenile actress at the age of three in regional theater and television appearances.^[4][1] To support herself financially during her youth, she worked as a bird trainer, performing with macaws in shows at Busch Gardens.^[4][7] This initial exposure to the entertainment world influenced her later pursuit of formal studies in theater arts.^[1]

Education

Colleen Camp attended John H. Francis Polytechnic High School in Los Angeles, completing her secondary education there.^[7] After high school, she enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College, a community college in the San Fernando Valley.^[7] She subsequently transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where she pursued a degree majoring in English with a minor in theater arts.^[7] To help finance her college studies, Camp took a job as a bird trainer at Busch Gardens in Van Nuys, California, where she trained macaws and performed in shows on weeknights, weekends, and summers.^[8] This role involved daily performances for large audiences and provided crucial support for her academic pursuits.^[7] During her time at CSUN, Camp deepened her interest in performance through early involvement in theater, including private lessons in acting and singing that complemented her minor in theater arts.^[7]

Professional career

Acting in film

Colleen Camp began her film acting career in the early 1970s with minor roles, including an uncredited appearance in Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973), before securing her first lead role as Kate in the comedy The Swinging Cheerleaders (1974).^[4][9] These early parts often highlighted her energetic screen presence in low-budget genre films, establishing her as a versatile performer capable of blending humor with dramatic elements. By the late 1970s, Camp had transitioned to more prominent supporting roles, showcasing her range across various cinematic styles. A notable early highlight came with her portrayal of Miss May, one of the Playboy Playmates in Francis Ford Coppola's war epic Apocalypse Now (1979), where she appeared in the memorable USO show sequence amid the chaos of the Vietnam War setting.^[9] This role marked a significant step in her career, exposing her to high-profile directing and allowing her to contribute to a landmark film that explored the psychological toll of conflict. Building on this, Camp embraced comedic opportunities in the 1980s, delivering an iconic performance as Yvette the Maid in the murder-mystery farce Clue (1985), where her exaggerated French accent and physical comedy added to the film's cult appeal.^[10] She further solidified her comedic persona through roles in the Police Academy sequels, including Sgt. Kathleen Kirkland in Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985) and Mrs. Kirkland-Tackleberry in Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1988), contributing to the franchise's slapstick humor and ensemble dynamics.^[11][12] Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Camp demonstrated her adaptability as a character actress in both action and drama, appearing as Connie Kowalski, a beleaguered police desk sergeant, in Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), injecting grounded realism into the high-stakes thriller.^[13] Her later film work continued this diversity, with a supporting turn as Brenda, a casino owner entangled in a web of cons, in David O. Russell's American Hustle (2013), and as the quirky neighbor Mrs. Hanchett in the family fantasy The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018).^[14][15] In 2025, she expanded into music video territory with an appearance in Yoshiki's directed "Butterfly" for Bi-Ray, a narrative-driven project featuring a star-studded cast in a Hollywood-meets-J-pop style.^[16] Spanning over five decades, Camp's filmography boasts more than 100 credits, underscoring her enduring versatility in comedic and dramatic roles across independent and studio productions.^[4] Her on-screen contributions have been complemented briefly by parallel television work and selective producing involvement.

Acting in television

Colleen Camp's television career began in the mid-1960s when she appeared as one of the dancing Gold Diggers on The Dean Martin Show, marking her entry into the medium as a juvenile performer.^[1] By the 1970s, she transitioned to acting roles with guest appearances on popular series such as Happy Days, where she portrayed Rose in an episode that showcased her comedic timing in ensemble settings. These early spots highlighted her versatility in supporting parts amid the era's lighthearted sitcom formats. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Camp expanded her television presence with guest roles on crime dramas and comedies, including multiple appearances on Murder, She Wrote as characters like Dody Rogers and Deputy Marigold Feeney, contributing to the show's blend of mystery and character-driven narratives.^[17] She also secured a recurring role as Margaret on The George Carlin Show from 1994 to 1995, playing the wife of Carlin's character in the Fox sitcom, which allowed her to explore edgier humor alongside the comedian's observational style.^[1] Additional guest spots on series like Roseanne further demonstrated her ability to embody quirky, relatable supporting figures in family-oriented stories.^[1] In later years, Camp continued to appear in episodic television, including roles on In Plain Sight in 2009, where she brought her characteristic energy to a witness protection drama.^[18] Her work extended to more recent projects like Matlock in 2024, reflecting ongoing demand for her seasoned presence in legal and procedural genres.^[19] Over four decades, she amassed dozens of television credits, underscoring her adaptability across genres from variety shows to modern dramas.^[4]

Producing work

Colleen Camp transitioned from acting to producing in the late 1990s, founding her own production company, Colleen Camp Productions, to develop and finance independent films.^[20][21] Her early producing credits include co-producing An American Rhapsody (2001), a drama directed by Éva Gárdos and starring Nastassja Kinski. A notable project was her co-production of Knock Knock (2015), a psychological thriller directed by Eli Roth and starring Keanu Reeves, which served as a remake of the 1977 exploitation film Death Game in which Camp had starred as Donna.^[22] Camp also appeared in a brief cameo as Vivian in Knock Knock. Beyond direct production, Camp has played a significant role in Oscar campaigns and industry networking, leveraging her extensive Hollywood connections to host private screenings, organize events, and advise on awards strategies for films including Parasite (2019), The Joker (2019), Marriage Story (2019), and American Fiction (2023).^[9] A 2024 Hollywood Reporter profile at age 71 described her as a "secret weapon" in awards season, highlighting her empathic approach to mediating disputes and facilitating collaborations among filmmakers and executives like Jerry Bruckheimer.^[9] She has also mentored emerging talent by providing guidance on casting, scripting, and development, serving as a key resource for directors and producers.^[9] As of November 2025, Camp remains active in Hollywood producing circles, with credits including the released action comedy Bride Hard (2025) starring Rebel Wilson and the thriller Inconceivable in development.^[23][24][25]

Personal life

Family

Colleen Camp was born to parents Wilson Camp, who initially managed a grocery store in San Francisco before transitioning to work as a movie set grip and taking small acting roles in Los Angeles, and Dorothy Camp, a talented jazz pianist who primarily served as a homemaker but performed in community theater alongside her husband.^[9][5] Her parents' involvement in theater and the film industry created a creative household environment that influenced Camp's early interest in entertainment.^[9] She has two brothers.^[9] In 1986, Camp married producer John Goldwyn, son of legendary producer Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and an executive who later became vice chairman of Paramount Pictures.^[9][26] The couple had one daughter, Emily Goldwyn, born on April 7, 1989, who has pursued a career as an actress, writer, and producer.^[27][28] Their marriage ended in divorce in 2001, attributed by Camp to a "lifestyle change" on Goldwyn's part as he came out as gay.^[9][26] Following the divorce, Camp and Goldwyn maintained a close, amicable relationship focused on co-parenting their daughter, with Camp noting their ongoing friendship and Goldwyn's later marriage to hotelier Jeffrey Michael Klein in 2011.^[9][26] Emily has described her mother as a vibrant, central figure in their family life, likening her to Lucille Ball's character Lucy Ricardo for her dramatic energy and broad social connections.^[9] The family dynamics emphasized honesty and support, allowing Emily to thrive in her own entertainment career while her parents remained involved and collaborative.^[26]

Relationships

In November 2020, Colleen Camp's engagement to Garrett Moore, the 34-year-old son of Derry Moore, 12th Earl of Drogheda, was announced in society publications, sparking widespread media attention due to the 33-year age difference.^[29][30] Camp later described the announcement as a joke that "went too far," clarifying that no nuptials took place and that she and Moore never even kissed.^[9] Following her 2001 divorce, Camp has publicly expressed disinterest in remarriage or new romantic partnerships, emphasizing instead the importance of her close friendships, professional allies, and family ties, including her amicable relationship with her ex-husband John Goldwyn and his husband Jeff Klein.^[9] She has likened her perspective to that of actress Joan Collins, quoting Collins' quip on marriage: "When he dies, he dies!"^[9] Little is documented about Camp's romantic history prior to her marriage, with no other notable partnerships confirmed in reputable sources. As of 2025, Camp continues to maintain a high degree of privacy regarding her personal relationships, focusing public discourse on her career achievements rather than her private life.^[9]

Filmography

Film

Colleen Camp's film acting credits are listed below in chronological order, grouped by decade for clarity. This catalog includes feature films only, with character names and directors where available. Dual producing roles are noted briefly if applicable.^[23][12] 1970s

• 1973: Battle for the Planet of the Apes (J. Lee Thompson) – Amy^[23]
• 1974: The Swinging Cheerleaders (Jack Hill) – Mary Ann^[3]
• 1975: Funny Lady (Herbert Ross) – Showgirl^[12]
• 1975: The Day of the Locust (John Schlesinger) – Bette Lou – (minor role)^[12]
• 1975: Smile (Michael Ritchie) – Connie^[3]
• 1976: The Gumball Rally (Charles Bail) – Rosie – (minor role)^[12]
• 1976: Death Game (Peter S. Traynor) – Donna – (also known as The Seducers)^[23]
• 1977: Love and the Midnight Auto Supply (James Polakof) – Billie Jean^[3]
• 1978: Game of Death (Robert Clouse) – Ann Morris^[3]
• 1978: Apocalypse Now (Francis Ford Coppola) – Playmate (Miss March)^[3]
• 1979: They All Laughed (Peter Bogdanovich) – Christy Miller^[3]

1980s

• 1981: The Seduction (David Schmoeller) – Robin^[12]
• 1982: Valley Girl (Martha Coolidge) – Sarah, Julie's Mom^[3]
• 1984: Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (Jerry Paris) – Sgt. Kathleen Kirkland^[3]
• 1985: Clue (Jonathan Lynn) – Yvette^[3]
• 1985: D.A.R.Y.L. (Simon Wincer) – Elaine Fox^[3]
• 1986: Running Scared (Peter Hyams) – Anna^[12]
• 1987: Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (Jim Drake) – Sgt. Kathleen Kirkland-Tackleberry^[31]
• 1987: Walk Like a Man (Melvin Frank) – Rhonda Shornstein^[23]
• 1987: Surrender (Jerry Belson) – Daisy^[12]
• 1988: Illegally Yours (Peter Bogdanovich) – Elaine Kendall^[23]
• 1988: Track 29 (Nicolas Roeg) – Arlanda Ray^[12]
• 1989: Wicked Stepmother (Larry Cohen) – Jenny^[23]

1990s

• 1990: My Blue Heaven (Herbert Ross) – Dr. Margaret Snow Coopersmith^[32]
• 1992: The Vagrant (Chris Walas) – Judy Dansig^[3]
• 1992: Wayne's World (Penelope Spheeris) – Mrs. Vanderhoff^[3]
• 1993: Sliver (Phillip Noyce) – Judy Marks^[3]
• 1993: Last Action Hero (John McTiernan) – Ratcliff^[2]
• 1994: Greedy (Jonathan Lynn) – Patti^[33]
• 1994: Three Wishes (Martha Coolidge) – Aunt Tilly^[12]
• 1995: Die Hard with a Vengeance (John McTiernan) – Connie Kowalski^[3]
• 1995: The Baby-Sitters Club (Melanie Mayron) – Mary – (minor role)^[12]
• 1996: House Arrest (Harry Winer) – Mrs. Finch^[23]
• 1996: The Associate (Donald Petrie) – Sally Lowell^[12]
• 1997: Speed 2: Cruise Control (Jan de Bont) – Debbie^[23]
• 1998: Plump Fiction (Bob Koherr) – Viv^[3]
• 1999: Election (Alexander Payne) – Judith Flick^[3]

2000s

• 2000: Loser (Amy Heckerling) – Homeless Woman^[3]
• 2001: Rat Race (Jerry Zucker) – Alice Banks^[23]
• 2001: An American Rhapsody (Éva Gárdos) – Dottie^[3]
• 2002: Secondhand Lions (Tim McCanlies) – Mabel Folger^[23]
• 2003: Bruce Almighty (Tom Shadyac) – Debbie Anderson^[23]
• 2004: In Good Company (Paul Weitz) – Receptionist^[3]
• 2005: Rumor Has It... (Rob Reiner) – Eloise – (minor role)^[12]
• 2006: Material Girls (Martha Coolidge) – Charlene Diamond^[3]
• 2006: Factory Girl (George Hickenlooper) – Mrs. Whitley^[3]
• 2006: Running with Scissors (Ryan Murphy) – Joan^[3]
• 2007: Noise (Henry Bean) – Carol Rubin^[23]
• 2008: Four Christmases (Seth Gordon) – Aunt Donna^[23]
• 2009: Love Happens (Brandon Camp, Andrew Erwin) – Cynthia^[23]

2010s

• 2010: Burning Palms (Christopher Landon) – Barbara Barish^[3]
• 2010: Psych:9 (Michael Dowse) – Beth^[3]
• 2011: Balls to the Wall (Penalty Kick) (Andrew J. Nelson) – Maureen^[3]
• 2013: American Hustle (David O. Russell) – Brenda^[3]
• 2015: Knock Knock (Eli Roth) – Vivian^[3]
• 2016: Always Shine (Sophia Takal) – Sandra^[3]
• 2017: The Truth About Lies (Phil Allocco) – May^[3]
• 2018: The House with a Clock in Its Walls (Eli Roth) – Mrs. Hanchett^[3]
• 2019: The Laundromat (Steven Soderbergh) – Ann – (minor role)^[12]

2020s

• 2020: Spenser Confidential (Peter Berg) – Mara^[2]
• 2020: Mainstream (Gia Coppola) – Judy^[3]
• 2022: 5-25-77 (Patrick Read Johnson) – Janet Johnson^[3]
• 2022: Monstrous (Angus Beniston) – Mrs. Langtree^[3]
• 2023: Back on the Strip (Juel Taylor) – Rita^[3]
• 2023: All Happy Families (Gus Krieger) – Lila^[3]
• 2023: Wild Eyed and Wicked (Scout Tafoya) – Genevieve^[2]
• 2024: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Tim Burton) – Marie – (minor role)^[12]
• 2024: Here's Yianni! (Christina Eliopoulos) – Dr. Jenny^[4]
• 2024: The Trainer – Will's Mom^[4]
• 2025: Bride Hard (Matt Friedman) – Actor/Producer (role TBA)^[3]
• 2025: Small Town Showdown – Wilma^[4]

Television

Colleen Camp's television career spans over five decades, beginning with guest appearances in variety and drama series in the 1960s and 1970s, progressing to recurring roles in popular shows during the 1980s, and continuing with guest spots in major network and streaming series into the 2020s.^[23] Her work includes both live-action and voice acting, as well as TV movies and specials. The following table enumerates her key television credits chronologically, focusing on series roles, guest appearances, and specials, with character names and episode details where applicable.^[23] This list represents a comprehensive overview of her television work, drawn from verified production credits, excluding any film or producing roles.^[23]