Rebecca Balding, a veteran actress best known for her roles in “Soap” and the original “Charmed,” died Monday from ovarian cancer, her husband said. She was 73.
Balding died in Park City, Utah, according to a statement from her husband of 41 years, writer-director James L. Conway.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Sept. 21, 1948, Balding studied acting at the University of Kansas, Entertainment Weekly reported. She moved to Chicago and began her career on stage.
Rebecca Balding, best known for her roles on "Soap" and "Charmed," has died. She was 73.
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) July 21, 2022
Balding died Monday in Park City, Utah, following a battle with ovarian cancer, Balding's husband James L. Conway confirmed to USA TODAY. https://t.co/GxwZoJIvtH
Balding was a staple on television for more than three decades. She landed her first role on “The Bionic Woman” in 1976, followed by a series of appearances on shows like Lou Grant, Barnaby Jones, and Starsky and Hutch, Entertainment Weekly reported.
In 1977, she co-starred with Ed Asner in the classic Christmas television movie “The Gathering” and in the 1970 sequel, “The Gathering II,” Variety reported. She also starred in the sitcom “Makin’ It” as Corky Crandall and made her movie debut in the 1979 slasher film, “The Silent Scream,” according to the entertainment news site.
Balding played the role of attorney Carol David on the sitcom “Soap,” from 1979 to 1980. Her character seduced gay television commercial director Jodie Dallis (played by Billy Crystal) and becomes pregnant, Variety reported.
In 1998, Balding played Aunt Jackie on the fantasy drama “Charmed,” USA Today reported. She would appear on the show as Elise Rothman, the boss of Alyssa Milano, from 2002 to 2006, according to the newspaper.
Balding also had guest roles in many TV series, including “Designing Women,” “Home Improvement,” “Beverly Hills, 90210″ and “Melrose Place,” USA Today reported.
Her final credited acting role was on a 2006 episode of “Charmed,” People reported.
Balding is survived by her husband, her daughters Sarah and Kathleen, and her grandchildren, according to the magazine.
©2022 Cox Media Group
