From the bright lights of Hollywood to the political stage, this former child star of the 1960s has lived a life full of reinvention. She changed her name, found fame on “Dallas,” faced career challenges, and forged a bold new path.
Hollywood has long been a place of reinvention, but few stars have navigated its challenges quite like this actress. Born into the spotlight as a child star, she achieved early success in film and television, only to face the harsh realities of a cut-throat industry.
Refusing to let adversity define her, she took a bold step, changing her name and carving out a career that led her to fame in the 1980s hit “Dallas.” Years later, her journey took an unexpected turn as she embraced a new identity in politics. Can you guess who she is?
A Childhood in Hollywood
Born on December 5, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, as Suzanne Cupito, this actress entered the world with dreams as bright as the Hollywood lights that surrounded her. From a young age, she was determined to make a name for herself.
“I grew up in this,” she once reflected. “I couldn’t have been happy doing anything else.” Her career began with an unforgettable role in the 1962 musical film “Gypsy,” where she starred as the younger sister of Natalie Wood’s character.
This marked the start of a promising future. She went on to appear in popular television shows like “Sea Hunt,” quickly becoming a familiar face.
However, as adolescence arrived, the industry’s harsh standards became painfully clear. By 14, the actress found herself in a precarious position as studios did not want to work with her.
The thriving career she had built came to an abrupt halt, and she was forced to leave acting temporarily. During this challenging time, she turned to modeling, only to face further hurdles.
“When I turned 14 and couldn’t play kids anymore, I became a model. Then I had to fight the prejudice against models when I began acting again. Hollywood believes models can’t act, that they have no personalities,” she revealed.
Seven years later, a romance novel changed everything. Inspired by the glamorous heroine in the book, the actress adopted a new name, shedding the identity that no longer served her.
“When I shed the old name, I shed the person nobody liked,” she admitted. This bold move marked a new chapter in her life and reignited her acting career.
Stardom and Struggles
Her big break came in 1978 with the hit TV series “Dallas.” Taking on the role of Katherine Wentworth, she delivered a standout performance that captivated audiences.
The role propelled her into the spotlight, bringing both fame and financial success. “This job came up to me and hit me with fame,” she said. “You have no control.” However, this recognition also had its downsides.
She became typecast as a bad girl, with her striking beauty often used to emphasize her characters’ darker traits. Heavy makeup and dramatic styling were used to reinforce the image of her as a femme fatale.
“I didn’t want to be typecast as a mean woman,” she once confided. Disillusioned with the lack of diverse roles, she stepped away from Hollywood to focus on her personal life.
She married stunt coordinator Jack Gill and embraced her role as a mother to their two children. However, stepping back did not mean giving up.
Breaking Barriers
Determined to show her versatility, the actress worked tirelessly to change how producers saw her. She said, “I’ve tried to convince producers I could play something other than the other woman, or unsympathetic parts.”
However, she often felt dismissed without getting a chance to audition, due to preconceived notions of her ability. “I should have known how difficult it is to break an image,” she stated. “I was a child actress and had to fight against preconceived ideas when I tried to find adult roles.”
Despite these setbacks, her persistence paid off. A pivotal moment came when she landed a comedic role in “L.A. Law,” breaking free from her typecast image.
This led to appearances in shows like “Dear John” and “Married with Children,” where she displayed a knack for comedy. She shared, “Now the doors are open. I can show producers comedy footage proving I don’t have to look as if I’m going to wave a gun around.”
A New Persona
This actress is none other than Morgan Brittany. After leaving the glitz and glamour of Hollywood behind, she charted an unexpected new course as a prominent conservative political commentator.
Since the 2000s, Brittany emerged as a voice in the conservative arena, sharing her views on platforms like “Hannity” on FOX News and “The Kudlow Report” on CNBC.
She used her platform to discuss conservative values and advocate for causes she held dear, including issues affecting veterans. Her influence extended beyond television.
In 2014, Brittany co-authored the best-selling book “What Women Really Want,” exploring conservative perspectives on women’s issues.
Brittany became a co-owner and anchor for “PolitiChicks,” an online outlet offering conservative viewpoints. Her columns in outlets like “World Net Daily” continued to amplify her message.
Standing Firm
Navigating Hollywood as an outspoken conservative was allegedly far from easy. In 2011, the actress reflected on her experiences alongside actor Clint Howard at an event, noting increasing intolerance for political dissent in Hollywood.
Brittany recounted how she stayed silent about her views on location with the “Dallas” crew, fearing it could cost her career. “Everybody in the van was bashing President Reagan,” she revealed. “I never said anything because I thought I’d lose my job. And I probably would have lost my job.”
It wasn’t until “Dallas” ended and she embraced motherhood that she felt compelled to speak out. “Enough is enough,” she said. “I’m not going to be silent any longer. If I’m silent, then I’m enabling these people and letting them win.”
Her decision met with industry resistance, faced with sharp criticism. “Oh man, the flak I took,” she revealed.
Legacy of Reinvention
Brittany’s persistence never wavered. “They’re not going to hire me because I have an opinion? That’s the way Hollywood is, and unfortunately, I got that. But I still wasn’t going to back down,” she declared.
Recently, as she celebrated her 74th birthday, her lasting presence was felt in a different way. Fans turned to social media to celebrate her beauty and grace, commenting on how she remained a stunning figure.
Brittany’s journey from child star to Hollywood actress, and eventually to a political voice, showcases her ability to adapt and persevere. Whether captivating audiences on-screen or standing firm in her convictions off-screen, she carved out a unique legacy.
