Actress Stella Stevens, who rose to prominence with roles in The Nutty Professor and Girls! Girls! Girls!, has sadly passed away at the age of 84 on Friday, February 17.

Her passing was confirmed by her son, Andrew Stevens, who revealed the late actress died in Los Angeles following a long illness.

Born October 1, 1938, Stevens developed an interest in acting while studying at Memphis State University. Stevens first drew attention for her performance in the school play Bus Stop.

Stevens’ film debut came in 1959 with a minor role in Say One for Me which was produced by and starred Bing Crosby.

In 1959 she also secured the role of Appassionata Von Climax in the musical Li’l Abner and in 1960 was awarded the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress for her performance in Say One for Me

In 1961, Stevens starred alongside  Bobby Darin in John Cassavetes’ Too Late Blues, and went on to star opposite singing legend Elvis Presley in Girls! Girls! Girls! in 1962.

She later starred as Stella Purdy, the love of interest of Jerry Lewis‘ character, in the 1963 classic The Nutty Professor. In the same year, she appeared in Vincente Minnelli’s The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.

Following several appearances in films for Columbia Pictures,  Stevens starred opposite Dean Martin in the Matt Helm spy spoof The Silencers in 1966. 

Stevens received favourable reviews for her performance in Sam Peckinpah’s The Ballad of Cable Hogue in 1970 and in 1972 starred in the incredibly successful film The Poseidon Adventure as Linda Rogog alongside Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, and Shelley Winters.

In addition to her illustrious film career, Stevens also enjoyed success on the small screen with appearances in Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Bonanza, Wonder Woman, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and General Hospital.

As news broke of Stevens’ passing, fans took to social media to reflect on her life and contribution to the entertainment industry.

Stevens is survived by her son and three adult grandchildren.