Beatrice Colen was an American actress who appeared in many television shows and films in the 1970s and 1980s. She is best known for her roles as Marsha Simms, the roller-skating carhop on Happy Days, and as Etta Candy, the loyal friend of Wonder Woman. She was also the granddaughter of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright George S. Kaufman.
Early Life and Career
Beatrice Colen was born on January 10, 1948, in New York City, to Anne and Bruce D Colen. Both of her parents were of German Jewish descent. She started her acting career in the early 1970s, landing roles in both film and television. Some of her notable appearances include The Odd Couple, All in the Family, The Love Boat, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, Barney Miller, The Wonder Years, and Baywatch. She also acted in several television films, such as Schoolboy Father and Brave New World, and feature films, such as Lifeguard, High Anxiety, American Pop, and Who’s That Girl.
Happy Days and Wonder Woman
Beatrice Colen gained fame and recognition for her roles in two popular television series: Happy Days and Wonder Woman. On Happy Days, she starred as Marsha Simms, the cheerful and bubbly waitress who worked at Arnold’s Malt Shop. She appeared in 21 episodes of the show, from 1974 to 1978. She was also the first actress to portray Etta Candy, the comic relief and sidekick of Wonder Woman, in the live-action adaptation of the DC comic book series. She appeared in 13 episodes of the show, in the first season (1976-1977), which were set during World War II. When the show was retooled and reset in modern times, her character was dropped.
Personal Life and Death
Beatrice Colen married actor Patrick Cronin on October 23, 1977, and together they had two sons, James and Charlie. She was a devoted mother and wife, who balanced her family life and her acting career. She retired from acting in 1997, after her last appearance on The Secret World of Alex Mack. She died of lung cancer, which had spread to her brain, on November 18, 1999, in Los Angeles, at the age of 51. She died on the opening night of Brentwood High School’s production of The Man Who Came to Dinner, which was written by her grandfather, George S. Kaufman, and which starred her son, James, in the title role of Sheridan Whiteside. She had wished that he perform that night, despite her condition. Her memorial service was held at Saint James Episcopal Church in Los Angeles 10 days later.
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