80s bombshell who did movies with Patrick Swayze and Jane Fonda surfaces at 61… who is she?

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A famous blonde actress from the 1980s looked energetic and youthful when she was seen in Los Angeles this week at age 61.

She first gained recognition with a memorable performance alongside Charles Bronson, and later shared the screen with many iconic actors of her time, including Patrick Swayze and Jane Fonda.

More recently, she’s appeared as a guest star on popular TV shows like Gilmore Girls, Will & Grace, ER, and 24.

She was seen this week enjoying a relaxed day out with her husband, whom she’s been married to for almost thirty years, and one of their grandchildren.

Last year, she shared her feelings on Instagram about where she was in life, saying: ‘Friends with adult children, there is nothing in this world like a grand kid falling asleep in your arms. You have so much to look forward to.‘

Can you guess who she is?

She is Kathleen Wilhoite, who first became well-known for playing a feisty prisoner in the 1968 crime thriller Murphy’s Law, alongside Charles Bronson.

This week, she was spotted in Los Angeles with her husband, David Harte. They have been married since <1997>.

I just love following Kathleen! She and her husband have been together for ages, and I’m so happy for them that they have two adorable grandchildren through their son, James, and his wife. Kathleen is a proud grandma, and she always shares the cutest pictures of the little ones on her Instagram. It really brightens my day to see those sweet photos!

They included their cherished granddaughter on their recent trip, and Kathleen was spotted lovingly embracing the young child.

Kathleen was born in Santa Barbara and developed a passion for acting early in life. She remembers feeling “pitifully ugly” when she was younger, but she gained confidence and flourished while participating in school plays.

‘I used to be a clown. Bringing joy to others was my passion, even if it meant I was the butt of the joke,’ she shared during a conversation with the fan site Retro Junk.

I realize now that I was probably quite dramatic and demanding during my time in the theater. People tell me this whenever we get together for reunions. Overall, though, I remember having a really good time and a lot of fun.

She first appeared in a movie in 1983 with the popular cult classic Private School, which featured Phoebe Cates and Matthew Modine as two teenagers determined to experience their first romance.

Her major opportunity came with the 1986 film Murphy’s Law, which featured Charles Bronson playing an alcoholic detective. He’s falsely accused of murder by a woman he previously sent to prison.

Kathleen plays the role of a thief, and the story begins with the two characters unexpectedly sharing a jail cell. This leads them to team up and escape, forming an unlikely alliance as they navigate their newfound freedom. They initially meet as captives, but quickly become partners in flight.

Oh my gosh, I remember her talking about meeting Charles Bronson! She said he was just ‘Fantastic’ and ‘Everything you’d imagine’. Honestly, she went on and on about how smart and funny he was, but also so tight-lipped – mysterious, you know? And of course, she said he was a really good actor, which, duh! I mean, it’s Charles Bronson!

He treated me well, and we shared a lot of laughs. However, I made sure to give him space and didn’t become overly friendly. I genuinely admired him and believed he earned that respect.

That same year, she also appeared in a suspenseful film titled The Morning After, which was directed by Sidney Lumet – the director of 12 Angry Men – and featured Jane Fonda and Jeff Bridges.

I still remember when Road House came out in 1989 – it quickly became one of my favorites! It’s an action comedy with Patrick Swayze playing James Dalton, a bouncer from New York City. The story follows him as he takes a job at a little nightclub in Missouri, and things get pretty wild. I’ve watched it countless times!

Attempting to hide his disturbing history, he unexpectedly encounters the crime and brutality hidden beneath the surface of his new home.

Kathleen played a somewhat awkward bartender at the club, appearing alongside actors like Sam Elliott, Kelly Lynch, and the famous Broadway performer, Ben Gazzara.

Some years ago, Kathleen observed that the movie continued to appeal to fans because of ‘Patrick, Sam, and all the good old-fashioned redneck a kicking.’

She explained: ‘It’s a concept the men I know will always enjoy. I find it appealing – this idea of a wealthy, thoughtful man – but his true love is actually working as a bouncer.’

Her career kept progressing quickly in the 1990s, notably with the emotional drama Lorenzo’s Oil, which featured Nick Nolte and Susan Sarandon when both actors were at the height of their fame.

Kathleen appeared as a guest star on many well-known television shows, including Gilmore Girls, ER, Family Guy, 24, Twin Peaks, Mad About You, Will & Grace and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

She’s currently working on several projects, notably a Hulu miniseries covering the Alex Murdaugh murder case. The series will feature Patricia Arquette and Jason Clarke in leading roles.

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2025-10-04 17:06