There’s a remarkable story of an actress, widely admired for her role in the beloved series “Hawaiian Eye.” Now 86, this celebrity continues to enchant fans with her youthful appearance and compelling life journey. Throughout her vibrant career, she has remained an icon of resilience and talent.
The lady at the center of this story was born Concetta Rosalie Ann Ingoglia and grew up in a lively Italian family. Her heritage, which she proudly claims also includes Iroquois roots, guided her to adopt her father’s stage name. She initially pursued a career in singing before catching a break in films with minor roles.
Her ascent to stardom commenced when famed comedian Jerry Lewis cast her in “Rock-a-Bye Baby” in 1958. This role opened doors to other opportunities, including “77 Sunset Strip” and the series that truly endeared her to fans, “Hawaiian Eye.”
Hollywood often brings its challenges, and this actress found it no different. She once confessed how tough the industry can be, saying, “I’ve always been my own person, not fitting in with the crowd, and everybody knows that.”
Amid her professional triumphs, she experienced personal challenges. Her first marriage, to actor James Stacy, ended in divorce in 1966 following several tumultuous years. Her subsequent marriage to singer Eddie Fisher, whom she married in 1967, also concluded after only two years due to his personal struggles.
Despite these setbacks, her marriage to Fisher blessed her with two daughters, Joely and Tricia Leigh Fisher. Both daughters followed her footsteps into acting, solidifying the family’s ongoing legacy in entertainment.
After her second marriage, she embraced life as a single mother, nurturing a close-knit bond with her daughters. Joely has shared, “We were like carni-folk,” fondly recalling how their mother would include them in her performances whenever they wished. This unusual upbringing only strengthened their family ties.
The sisters describe their mother as an “affectionate, generous, incandescent spirit.” The bond between mother and daughters remains unbreakable, often described as “us against the world.” Joely reminisces that her mother would light up when they were together, sharing laughter and love.
Yet, life wasn’t without further challenges. In 1996, the family faced sorrow with the loss of her brother, Charles Thomas Ingoglia, a talented drummer who joined her in acting projects. Despite this pain, she managed to pivot into new ventures.
A legal battle in 1998 posed another challenge, revolving around the profits of her cosmetics line. Maintaining that there was no formal agreement with her manager, she was still ordered to pay a significant sum. Despite the disappointment, it marked an interesting chapter in her entrepreneurial efforts.
Determined to stay creative, she later ventured into film directing. At the age of 70, she began a new project, bringing her artistic vision to life with “Saving Grace B. Jones,” a film she co-wrote, produced, and directed. This achievement showcases her unstoppable resilience and creativity.
Even in the face of health challenges, like a severe stroke in 2016, her spirit remains strong. Her daughter, Joely, reflects on her mother’s incredible strength, a testament to her fighting spirit.
As she celebrated Mother’s Day in 2023, Joely shared treasured photos of the family, showing the undeniable bond among them. The pictures featured the actress smiling warmly between her daughters, embodying her radiant spirit and the glowing affection her family holds for her.
Fans, spanning generations, continue to admire her via social media. Their words of admiration and joy reveal the enduring affection that she commands. Whether through her on-screen roles or off-screen battles, she remains a beacon of grace and beauty.
Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience and perseverance through life’s challenges, embodying timeless beauty and grace. Her legacy continues to captivate hearts, a testament to her remarkable life and enduring spirit.
