Stella Stevens, the talented and captivating actress known for her beauty, sensuality, and memorable roles in film and television, has sadly passed away. The world mourns the loss of a Hollywood icon who graced the screen with her magnetic presence and fearlessness.
The Loss of a Hollywood Legend
Stella Stevens died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease in Los Angeles on February 17, 2023, at 84. Her son, Andrew Stevens, confirmed her death to The Hollywood Reporter and said she had been in a hospice for quite some time with stage seven Alzheimer’s. It is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes. It affects more than six million Americans and is the most common cause of dementia. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments can help slow down its progression and improve the quality of life of patients and caregivers.
Stevens was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 and was admitted to a Los Angeles Alzheimer’s Care Facility, where she received round-the-clock care and support. She was visited by her son and her three grandchildren regularly. She also received tributes from her fans and colleagues who remembered her as a talented and beautiful actress who made people laugh.
Stevens died peacefully at her home in Los Angeles, surrounded by her loved ones. Her son said she was “one of the most wonderful and gifted people” he ever knew and was proud of her legacy. He also thanked the staff at the hospice for their compassion and professionalism. Her funeral was held on February 25, 2023, at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills. It was attended by her family, friends, and co-stars from her films and TV shows. She was buried next to her partner of 37 years, Bob Kulick, a rock guitarist who died in May 2020
She was a trailblazer in many ways, breaking boundaries with her sensuality, daring photo shoots, and willingness to take on unconventional roles. Her fearlessness, self-assuredness, and undeniable talent made her a beloved figure among fans of classic cinema and Hollywood glamour.
Stella Stevens’s final appearance and her Last Photo
She made her last public appearance at a screening for the 40th anniversary of The Poseidon Adventure at the American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre on December 29, 2012. The screening for the 40th anniversary of the film was organized by the American Cinematheque, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of cinema. The event was held at the Egyptian Theatre, a historic movie palace in Hollywood that opened in 1922. The screening was attended by hundreds of fans and some of the surviving cast members, including Stevens, Borgnine, Carol Lynley, Pamela Sue Martin, Eric Shea, and Stella Stevens’ son Andrew Stevens.
Stevens looked elegant and happy in a black dress and a fur coat as she posed for photos with her co-stars and fans. She also participated in a Q&A session after the film, where she shared some anecdotes and memories from making the film. She said she enjoyed working with Borgnine and had to do her own stunts in some scenes. She also said she was proud of being part of such a classic film that resonated with audiences after 40 years.
Even in her final moments, Stella Stevens maintained the charm and charisma that made her a Hollywood icon. The photograph is a touching reminder of the woman who graced the screen with her talent, beauty, and sensuality for decades.
