Lara Parker, a talented actress with a distinguished career spanning television, stage, and film, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She enchanted audiences for decades with her remarkable performances.

From her iconic role as Angelique in the ABC soap opera “Dark Shadows” to her appearances in films and on Broadway, Lara Parker’s talents shone brightly. She came from a well-connected family, the daughter of prominent parents Albert and Ann Rickey.

Lara pursued education with tenacity, winning a scholarship to Vassar College and eventually earning her BA at Southwestern in Memphis.

She furthered her academic pursuits with postgraduate studies at the University of Iowa. Her career in acting was marked by success and versatility, and she became a beloved figure for her role as Angelique.

Lara Parker’s legacy endures, not only as an actress but as an author and educator. Tragically, on October 12, 2023, Lara Parker passed away in Los Angeles, just a week before her 85th birthday, leaving behind a profound impact on the world of entertainment and education.

Is Lara Parker still alive?

Lara Parker, the celebrated actress best known for her portrayal of Angelique Bouchard in the iconic ABC soap opera Dark Shadows, passed away on October 12, 2023, in Los Angeles at the age of 84. She peacefully passed away at her residence.

The news was confirmed by her agent, and it came just a few weeks before her 85th birthday. Lara Parker’s legacy in the world of entertainment was firmly established with her portrayal of the vengeful witch Angelique in the beloved ABC gothic drama “Dark Shadows.”

In this iconic role, she engaged in a complex love-hate relationship with Jonathan Frid’s Barnabas Collins, a pivotal moment that defined her acting career.

Read: What happened to Sherika De Armas? What is her Nationality? Meet Family and Parents

Meet Lara Parker’s Husband Jim Hawkins and Children

Now, delving into her personal life, Lara Parker’s romantic journey was marked by two significant unions. Her first marriage was to Tom Parker, extending from 1959 to 1974.

Subsequently, she married Jim Hawkins, who worked as a building contractor. From her marriage to Jim, they welcomed a daughter, Caitlin. Lara Parker’s family extended to include two sons, Rick and Andy, born during her first marriage to artist Tom Parker.

The bond between Lara and her children, Rick and Andy, was a significant part of her life, and she cherished the experiences shared with her family, fostering deep connections that would become a cherished part of her legacy.

Rick carved out a successful career as a record producer, while Andy pursued a career in contracting. In contrast, Caitlin Hawkins discovered her true passion as a set designer and stylist for videos and commercials.

Lara’s son Rick tied the knot with singer Miranda Lee Richards, and they share a son named Wesley. Lara Parker’s life was enriched by her loving family.

Who are Lara Parker’s parents?

Lara Parker’s roots were deeply intertwined with her family. Born to her parents, Albert and Ann Rickey, she had a notable family background.

Her father, a prominent attorney in Memphis, and her mother, actively involved in civic groups, were pillars of the community, making her upbringing well-connected. Lara also grew up alongside her siblings, fostering close family ties that would shape her life.

Who was actress Lara Parker?

Lara Parker, originally named Mary Lamar Rickey, was born on October 27, 1938, in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. In 2023, she celebrated her 84th birthday.

Her legacy is intertwined with her captivating portrayal of Angelique on the ABC-TV series Dark Shadows, which ran from 1966 to 1971. Lara Parker’s formative years unfolded in Memphis, Tennessee.

She bore a distinguished Southern heritage, tracing her roots as the great-great-granddaughter of Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar II and as a third-great-granddaughter of Augustus Baldwin Longstreet, who happened to be an uncle of Confederate General James Longstreet.

Lara’s academic journey commenced at Vassar College, where she embarked on a quest for a philosophy B.A. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the hallowed halls of Rhodes College, which was then known as Southwestern, culminating in her attainment of a Bachelor of Arts degree. To further enrich her education, she ventured to the University of Iowa, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in speech and drama.

In 1977, she took on the role of secretary Wanda in the television miniseries Washington: Behind Closed Doors, and her talent shone through in a recurring role on the short-lived series Jessica Novak.

In addition to her television career, Lara Parker ventured onto the big screen, leaving a memorable mark with her role alongside Robert De Niro in the 1970 Brian De Palma film, “Hi, Mom!”

In 1975, Lara Parker took on the role of Peter Fonda’s character’s wife in the movie “Race with the Devil.” Beyond the silver screen, her theatrical talents shone as she graced Broadway with her debut in “Woman is My Idea” in 1968.

Her passion for Dark Shadows remained vivid as she reprised the role of Angelique for a series of audio dramas. She also lent her voice to the unabridged audiobook recordings of her initial three novels.

This film, co-written and co-directed by Ansel Faraj and Nathan Wilson, was a unique collaboration that reunited her with former “Dark Shadows” co-stars Kathryn Leigh Scott and David Selby. The on-screen chemistry between these iconic actors made this film an extraordinary project.

How much is Lara Parker’s net worth?

Lara Parker’s successful career as a television, stage, and film actress has contributed to her estimated net worth of approximately $9 million, as per Idol Net Worth reports.

Lara Parker’s extraordinary path in the entertainment world, distinguished by iconic performances and notable achievements, has not only garnered her fame but also financial prosperity.

Must Read | Suzanne Somers Family and Children: Meet Her First Husband Bruce Somers and Son

Lara Parker Education Background

Lara Parker’s educational journey was marked by her intellect and determination. Lara Parker’s educational journey began at Central High School in Memphis, where her remarkable talents quickly became evident. Her exceptional abilities earned her a prestigious scholarship to Vassar College.

Her academic pursuits initially led her to major in philosophy at Vassar. However, she transferred and completed her Bachelor of Arts at Southwestern in Memphis, now known as Rhodes College.

Continuing her quest for knowledge, Lara embarked on graduate studies at the University of Iowa, where she focused on speech and drama, successfully completing her coursework for a Master’s degree.

Simultaneously, she ventured into her acting career while working on her thesis. Following her tenure in acting, Lara took on a new role as a high school English teacher and furthered her academic achievements, earning an MFA in creative writing from Antioch University.