Actress
Betsy Palmer
- Born: 1 November 1926, East Chicago, Indiana, USA
- Estimated net worth: $1 million
Betsy Palmer was an American actress known for her work in horror films and television. She gained fame for her role as Mrs. Voorhees in 'Friday the 13th' (1980) and had a long career in theater and TV. Palmer was recognized for her distinctive voice and…
Betsy Palmer: best films and shows
About Betsy Palmer
Betsy Palmer was an American actress known for her work in horror films and television. She gained fame for her role as Mrs. Voorhees in 'Friday the 13th' (1980) and had a long career in theater and TV. Palmer was recognized for her distinctive voice and ability to portray both dramatic and comedic roles with ease, earning her a respected place in the entertainment industry.
- Born
- 1 November 1926, East Chicago, Indiana, USA
- Died
- 29 May 2015
- Known for
- Acting
- Height
- 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
- Spouses
- Robert E. Palmer (1954-1971)
- Children
- 1 child, Betsy Palmer Jr.
- Parents
- Walter Palmer, Alma Palmer
- Estimated net worth
- $1 million
Fun facts about Betsy Palmer
- Betsy Palmer initially turned down the role of Mrs. Voorhees in 'Friday the 13th' because she did not want to appear in a horror film, but later agreed after being informed of the film's success.
- Before her film career, Palmer was a successful stage actress and appeared on numerous television shows, including game shows and soap operas.
Famous Betsy Palmer quotes
“I’m not a monster. I’m just a mother.”
“You don’t know what you’re doing!”
“I’ve always wanted to be a star.”
Betsy Palmer: coming up
- Stab (Movie, Pamela Voorhees (archive footage) (uncredited))30 December 2026
Credits and dates: TMDB.
Betsy Palmer filmography
Cast (78)
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Friday the 13th: Origin of Evil - Part 3 Movie | Unknown character | |
| 2021 | Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age Movie | Self | |
| 2013 | Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th Movie | Self | 7.9 |
| 2010 | His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th Movie | Self | 6.7 |
| 2009 | Into the Pit: The Shocking Story of Deadpit.com Movie | Self | 5.8 |
| 2009 | Friday's Legacy: Horror Conventions Movie | Self | 8.0 |
| 2007 | Bell Witch: The Movie Movie | Bell Witch | 5.5 |
| 2006 | Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film Movie | Self | 6.8 |
| 2006 | Betsy Palmer: A Scream Queen Legend Movie | Herself | |
| 2005 | Penny Dreadful Movie | Trudie Tredwell | 4.6 |
Show 68 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | James Dean: Forever Young Movie | Self (archive footage) | 5.9 |
| 2004 | The Friday the 13th Chronicles Movie | Self | 8.3 |
| 2004 | Friday the 13th: From Crystal Lake to Manhattan (Crystal Lake Victims Tell All - Documentary) Movie | Self | 7.0 |
| 2003 | Return to Crystal Lake: Making 'Friday the 13th' Movie | Herself | 6.4 |
| 2002 | Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star Movie | Self - Actress | 6.9 |
| 2000 | FreakyLinks TV | Betty | 6.5 |
| 1999 | The Fear: Resurrection Movie | Grandmother | 3.7 |
| 1999 | Television: The First Fifty Years Movie | Self | |
| 1997 | Just Shoot Me! TV | Rhonda | 6.6 |
| 1996 | E! True Hollywood Story TV | Unknown character | 8.1 |
| 1995 | James Dean and Me Movie | Self (uncredited) | 8.8 |
| 1994 | Unveiled Movie | Eva | 3.6 |
| 1992 | Still Not Quite Human Movie | Aunt Mildred | 4.8 |
| 1988 | Goddess of Love Movie | Hera | 5.5 |
| 1988 | Windmills of the Gods TV | Mrs. Hart Brisbane | 6.1 |
| 1984 | Charles in Charge TV | Gloria | 6.1 |
| 1984 | Murder, She Wrote TV | Valerie | 7.5 |
| 1984 | Murder, She Wrote TV | Lila Norris | 7.5 |
| 1984 | Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter Movie | Pamela Voorhees (archive footage) | 6.1 |
| 1982 | Newhart TV | Unknown character | 7.2 |
| 1982 | Newhart TV | Gayle Crowley | 7.2 |
| 1982 | T. J. Hooker TV | Anne Armstrong | 6.5 |
| 1981 | Isabel's Choice Movie | Ellie Fineman | |
| 1981 | Maggie TV | Virginia Sullivan | 10.0 |
| 1981 | Friday the 13th Part 2 Movie | Mrs. Voorhees | 6.2 |
| 1980 | Friday the 13th Movie | Mrs. Voorhees | 6.4 |
| 1979 | Knots Landing TV | Virginia Bullock | 6.9 |
| 1977 | The Love Boat TV | Millicent Holton | 6.2 |
| 1977 | CHiPs TV | Self (uncredited) | 6.8 |
| 1971 | Columbo TV | Martha Lamarr | 8.1 |
| 1962 | The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson TV | Self | 7.6 |
| 1962 | The Merv Griffin Show TV | Self | 6.8 |
| 1959 | The Last Angry Man Movie | Anna Thrasher | 6.9 |
| 1959 | It Happened to Jane Movie | Betsy Palmer | 6.2 |
| 1958 | The True Story of Lynn Stuart Movie | Phyllis Carter / Lynn Stuart | 7.0 |
| 1958 | No Time at All Movie | Emmy Verdon | 8.0 |
| 1957 | The Tin Star Movie | Nona Mayfield | 7.0 |
| 1957 | Tonight Starring Jack Paar TV | Self | 7.5 |
| 1956 | Playhouse 90 TV | Emmy Verdon | 7.5 |
| 1955 | Queen Bee Movie | Carol Lee Phillips | 6.3 |
| 1955 | Mister Roberts Movie | Ann Girard | 7.0 |
| 1955 | The Red, White and Blue Line Movie | Self | 6.0 |
| 1955 | Death Tide Movie | Gloria | 6.7 |
| 1955 | The Long Gray Line Movie | Kitty Carter | 7.0 |
| 1954 | Climax! TV | Fran Coates | 3.8 |
| 1954 | Climax! TV | Connie Rankin Hill | 3.8 |
| 1954 | Climax! TV | Elizabeth | 3.8 |
| 1954 | Inner Sanctum TV | Unknown character | 8.0 |
| 1953 | Death Is My Neighbor Movie | Netta | 7.0 |
| 1953 | Sentence of Death Movie | Ellen Morrison | 6.5 |
| 1953 | Marty Movie | Virginia | 8.0 |
| 1953 | General Electric Theater TV | (uncredited) | 6.8 |
| 1952 | I've Got a Secret TV | Self | 7.7 |
| 1951 | Hallmark Hall of Fame TV | Nancy Aragon | 8.8 |
| 1951 | Miss Susan TV | Unknown character | 6.5 |
| 1950 | Lux Video Theatre TV | Unknown character | 6.7 |
| 1950 | What's My Line? TV | Self | 7.0 |
| 1948 | Studio One TV | Edith Olmstead | 5.4 |
| 1948 | Studio One TV | Ann Meade | 5.4 |
| 1948 | Studio One TV | Dony Waller | 5.4 |
| 1948 | Studio One TV | Maureen Drew | 5.4 |
| 1948 | Studio One TV | Mimi | 5.4 |
| 1948 | Studio One TV | Ellen Morrison | 5.4 |
| 1948 | Studio One TV | Unknown character | 5.4 |
| 1948 | The Philco Television Playhouse TV | Unknown character | 6.6 |
| 1948 | The Philco Television Playhouse TV | Janice Gans | 6.6 |
| 1948 | The Ed Sullivan Show TV | Self | 6.8 |
| TBA | Stab Movie | Pamela Voorhees (archive footage) (uncredited) |
Latest releases
- Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age2021
- Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th2013 / TMDB 7.9
- His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th2010 / TMDB 6.7
- Friday's Legacy: Horror Conventions2009 / TMDB 8.0
Betsy Palmer in the news
Questions about Betsy Palmer
What was Betsy Palmer's most famous role?
Betsy Palmer is best known for her iconic role as Mrs. Pamela Voorhees in 'Friday the 13th' (1980), which became a classic in the horror genre.
Did Betsy Palmer win any awards?
While Betsy Palmer did not win major awards like the Oscars, she received recognition for her performances in theater and was appreciated by fans for her roles in horror films.
What was Betsy Palmer's first film?
Betsy Palmer's film debut was in 'John Loves Mary' (1949), which marked the beginning of her successful career in acting.
What are some of Betsy Palmer's successful films?
In addition to 'Friday the 13th,' Betsy Palmer appeared in films like 'The Tin Star' (1957) and 'The Old Ways' (2021), showcasing her versatility as an actress.
What was Betsy Palmer's early career like?
Betsy Palmer began her career in the theater, performing in various productions before transitioning to television and film, where she became a familiar face in the industry.
What was Betsy Palmer's estimated net worth?
Betsy Palmer's estimated net worth was around $1 million, reflecting her long career in acting across multiple mediums.
What notable television appearances did Betsy Palmer make?
Betsy Palmer made numerous television appearances, including guest spots on popular shows like 'The Twilight Zone' and 'The Love Boat,' in addition to her work in soap operas.
What legacy did Betsy Palmer leave in the horror genre?
Betsy Palmer left a lasting legacy in the horror genre with her memorable performance in 'Friday the 13th,' influencing future generations of horror filmmakers and actors.