Renowned actress Joan Benedict Steiger, recognized for her memorable roles on “Candid Camera” and her extensive career across stage and screen, died on June 24 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. She was 96 years old. Benedict’s family spokesperson stated the cause of death was complications from a stroke.
Benedict was born on July 21, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York. Her artistic journey began at a young age when she performed as a tap dancer at the Brooklyn Academy of Music at just seven years old. Her mother enrolled her in the Rome Opera Ballet School, a decision that steered her toward a lifetime of involvement in the performing arts.
Across various mediums, Benedict’s versatile talent shone brightly. On television, she was a cherished member of Allen Funt’s stock company for “Candid Camera,” where she was known for humorous antics like tickling men with a feathered hat and asking pedestrians to light her cigarette in a phone booth. Speaking of her time on the show, she stated, “Essentially, it’s acting. I can’t laugh, or the whole stunt is broken up.”
Benedict’s career also encompassed roles in “The Steve Allen Show,” where she engaged in comedy skits and advertised Hazel Bishop cosmetics. She appeared on game shows like “Masquerade Party” and was Elizabeth Taylor’s stand-in for “Butterfield 8.”
Alongside her work in television, Benedict had a successful stage career. She headlined the one-woman show “Leona,” in which she embodied the notorious hotel tycoon Leona Helmsley, and starred in the autobiographical play “The Loves of My Life.” She also had significant roles in “Promises, Promises” and “The Beauty Queen of Leenane.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Benedict’s personal life was filled with notable relationships. She was married to actor John Myhers from 1962 until his death in 1992. In 2000, she wed Oscar-winning actor Rod Steiger, reigniting a relationship that had started when she was 19. They acted together in “A Month of Sundays” and “The Flying Dutchman” before his death in 2002. Reflecting on her relationships, she noted, “Both of my husbands, and my lifetime partner, Jeremy (Slate), were wonderful men who respected me as an actress.”
In her later years, Benedict appeared in roles on “General Hospital,” “Days of Our Lives,” and “Capitol,” among others. Her memoir, “Brooklyn Baby,” released in 2016, provides a glimpse into her dynamic career and personal life.
Survived by her daughter Claudia and granddaughters Hanna and Ashley, Benedict’s legacy is one of enduring talent, resilience, and a deep-rooted love for the arts that has left a lasting impact.
