Karen Lamm was a talented actress and producer who had a tumultuous personal life. She was married to two famous musicians, Robert Lamm of Chicago and Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys, and co-wrote songs with them. She also appeared in several TV shows and movies, and later became a producer. She died of heart failure in 2001 at the age of 49. Here is a brief overview of her life and career, and the circumstances of her death.
Early Life and Career
Karen Lamm was born as Barbara Karen Perk on June 21, 1952 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She moved to Los Angeles at the age of 18 and met her first husband, Robert Lamm, at the Whisky-a-Go-Go. They married in 1970 and divorced in 1971. According to Wikipedia, she met her second husband, Dennis Wilson, when the two bands toured together in the ’70s. They married twice, first in 1976 and then in 1978, and divorced both times.
Karen Lamm co-wrote the Beach Boys’ song “Baby Blue” for the L.A. (Light Album) release and was featured as backup vocalist and songwriter on Dennis Wilson’s solo album Pacific Ocean Blue. She also contributed to many of his biographies, including the ABC miniseries The Beach Boys Story.
As an actress, Karen Lamm was featured in more than 150 national commercials, TV movies, miniseries, series and films. She had leads in several small films, such as Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974), The Unseen (1980) and Loose Shoes (1980). She also guest-starred on Columbo, The Dukes of Hazzard, Police Woman and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. She starred in a number of plays at the Strasberg Theater as well.
Later Years and Death
Karen Lamm later became interested in producing. She helped produce the miniseries Menendez: A Killing in Beverly Hills and the UPN series The Watcher. She also remained close to her ex-husbands and their families. She was devastated by Dennis Wilson’s death by drowning in 1983 in Marina del Rey, California.
Karen Lamm died of heart failure on June 29, 2001 at her home in Playa del Rey, California. According to Variety, she was 49 years old. She is survived by her mother, a sister and a brother.
Karen Lamm was a beautiful and talented woman who had a passion for music and acting. She had a troubled relationship with two rock stars, but also shared creative moments with them. She left behind a legacy of work in various media, and a memory of her charm and grace.
