Jan Shepard

Jan Shepard is an actress known for her roles in films such as Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966) and Captain Midnight (1954). She is also notable for appearing in movies with Elvis Presley.

Movie Actress

March 19, 1928

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Born on March 19, 1928, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Jan Shepard was an American actress recognized for her roles in film and television during the 1950s and 1960s. She gained fame for her role in the 1959 film “The Jayhawkers!” and appeared in other films such as “The Seven Little Foys” (1955) and “The Harder They Fall” (1956). Shepard also had notable roles in TV series like “Rawhide,” “Bonanza,” “Gunsmoke,” and “The Road West.”

Originally named Josephine Angela Sorrell, she changed her name early in her career to avoid confusion with another actress. Shepard was once married to actor Michael Ansara, and they had a son named Matthew. The couple later reunited to work together on the science fiction series “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” in 1979.

Shepard honed her acting skills at the Pasadena Playhouse and appeared in films such as “Sabre Jet,” “King Creole” (1958) with Elvis Presley, “Paradise, Hawaiian Style” (1966), “Captain Midnight” (1954), and “Then Came Bronson” (1969). Interestingly, she appeared in films with Elvis Presley both before and after his Army induction and his mother’s death. Jan Shepard passed away on March 24, 2013, at the age of 86.