Andra Akers

Andra Akers (September 16, 1943 – March 20, 2002) was an American actress and philanthropist. A character actress, she appeared in films, theater and television, usually in tough or brassy roles.

Andra Akers
BornSeptember 16, 1943
New York City, U.S.
DiedMarch 20, 2002 (aged 58)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Actress, philanthropist
RelativesAnthony B. Akers (father)
John Russell Pope (grandfather)
Ellery Akers (sister)
William Ellery

Early life and education

Akers was born in New York City. Her father, Anthony B. Akers, was a veteran World War II naval officer and attorney who became the United States ambassador to New Zealand during the Kennedy administration. Her mother, Jane Pope, was the daughter of the architect John Russell Pope. She was descended from William Ellery.[1] Her sister, Ellery Akers, is a poet and naturalist based in Northern California.[2]

Career

During her time in New Zealand she attended Victoria University of Wellington and appeared in a 1962 production of Chekhov's The Seagull.[3] She continued her studies at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, New York, majoring in theater and political science.

She made her film debut in Brian de Palma's Murder a la Mod in 1968.[4] Her acting career spanned the 1960s through to the mid-1980s, during which time she made several guest appearances in popular television series. In 1986 she retired from acting to found Synergy International, later renamed the Essence Institute, an interdisciplinary think tank involving video and electronic artists, mathematicians, computer scientists and others.

Death

Akers died in Los Angeles in 2002 following complications from surgery.[5]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
1968 Murder a la Mod Tracy
1969 The Wedding Party Wedding Guest
1978 Moment by Moment Naomi
1984 E. Nick: A Legend in His Own Mind Aunt Mona
1985 Desert Hearts Silver
1986 Just Between Friends Andrea
1986 Odd Jobs Mrs. Finelli
1986 Nothing in Common Blonde Saleswoman

Television
Year Title Role Notes
1975 Police Woman Linda Kamm Episode: "Glitter with a Bullet"
1976 Visions Kate Scofield Episode: "Liza's Pioneer Diary"
1976 Charlie's Angels Jessica Farmer Episode: "Angels on Wheels"
1976–1977 Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman Christine Addams 21 episodes
1977 All's Fair Desiree Episode: "Remembrance"
1977 Rafferty Mrs. Hollander Episode: "Rafferty"
1977 Baretta Doris Johnson Episode: "Make the Sun Shine"
1978 Taxi Rita Episode: "Come as You Aren't"
1978 Family Roz Cornick Episode: "Expectations"
1979 Dallas Sally Bullock Episode: "Return Engagements"
1979 / 1982 Hart to Hart Louisa Clement / Dana Blake Episodes: "Death in the slow Lane" / "Harts and Palms"
1981 Pen 'n' Inc. Gretchen Vanderwyck Television film
1981 Flamingo Road Vanessa Curtis Episode: "The Intruder"
1981 Hardcase Laura Tinkerbell Television film
1982 The Dukes of Hazzard Molly Hargrove Episode: "Birds Gotta Fly"
1982 Voyagers! Lizzie Palmer Episode: "Old Hickory and the Pirate"
1985 Copacabana Pamela Devereaux Television film
1986 Killer in the Mirror Stacey Courtney
1986 Moonlighting Mrs. Kendrick Episode: "Big Man on Mulberry Street"

References
  1. "Andra Akers Obituary - Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles Times". Legacy.com. Retrieved Apr 19, 2019.
  2. "Andra Akers". Variety. 2002-04-16. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
  3. Dramatic Occasion, Salient, July 23, 1962, p4
  4. "The Films of Brian De Palma - Reviews by David Nusair". Reelfilm.com.
  5. "Andra Akers Obituary". Legacy.com.
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