Janet Carroll, who was best known for her role as Tom Cruise’s mother in the 1983 comedy “Risky Business”, passed away in New York after a long illness. She was 71.
Although her name may not be instantly recognizable to most people, Carroll worked steadily after her 1981 debut in director Harvey S. Laidman and Jerry London’s TV movie “Chicago Story”. Over the years, she appeared in such films as “Secret Admirer”, “Family Business”, 1995 crime comedy “Destiny Turns on the Radio”, one of the few films that features acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino is a lead role.
As prolific as she was on the big screen, Carroll didn’t limit herself to just theatrical Hollywood fare. In addition to having a recurring role on the original incarnation of “Melrose Place”, she leant her talents to episodes of “Golden Girls”, “Married with Children”, “Murphy Brown”, and “Still Standing”, among others. In 2004, she starred on Broadway as Aunt March in the new musical version of “Little Women”.
What most people don’t know is that, in 1988, Carroll became an ordained spiritual minister. She then spent many years counseling young couples and helping them prepare for what she described as the “perfect wedding experience”. This became on the actress’ greatest joys in life, according to her official website.
A memorial service for Janet Carroll will be held in New York City this Saturday.