Rebecca Balding, the veteran American actress best known for her roles in “Soap” and “Charmed” has passed away at the age of 73. She died on Monday following a battle with ovarian cancer in Park City, Utah. Find out what happened to Rebecca Balding here.
Rebecca’s husband, James L. Conway announced and confirmed the news of her death to USA Today. Following this, Rebecca’s cousin Caroline Williams took to Twitter and expressed her grief over the tragic incident.
“My cousin, Rebecca Balding, has passed away in Salt Lake City. While we were not close in adulthood, she was a profound influence on my curiosity about show business and acting. #TheBoogens was where she met her delightful husband @jameslconway. Mother, wife, actress. Did it all,” she wrote.
Ever since the news broke, fans and industry associates have been paying tributes to Rebecca as people are remembering her as a brave and kind soul.
Rebecca Balding Passed Away Due to Ovarian Cancer
Rebecca Balding died at the age of 73 years due to ovarian cancer. It’s cancer that starts in the ovaries and then spreads within the pelvis and stomach. It often has no symptoms in the beginning and goes undetected. Although symptoms like loss of appetite and weight loss appear in the later stages.
However, by the time it’s detected, it’s too late and cancer turns fatal. The same happened with Rebecca Balding as she passed away battling ovarian cancer. She was undergoing chemotherapy as part of the treatment.
Her health has been deteriorating due to old age as well. Hence, her body couldn’t keep up and cancer won the battle.
Who was Rebecca Balding?
Rebecca Balding was born on September 21, 1948, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She attended the University of Kansas and had an interest in acting/ drama since her early teenage. Rebecca made her television debut in 1976 with an action drama titled “The Bionic Woman.”
She landed the role of Carol David in the dramedy series “Soap” two years later. This much-talked-about ABC spoof also starred Katherine Helmond, Richard Mulligan, and Emmy-winner Billy Crystal.
Balding also started working in horror thrillers like “The Silent Screen” (1979) and “The Boogens” (1981). She met her husband Conway, who was the director of the film, on the set of The Boogens.
“Rebecca came in to audition. We chatted, she read and when she left, I turned to the associate producer and said, ‘I could marry that girl” Conway revealed in an interview. The two had been married for 41 years.
Rebecca appeared on a number of TV series throughout the ‘90s. Some of the notable appearances include “Designing Women,” “Home Improvement,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” and “Melrose Place.”
She got the role of Aunt Jackie in the fantasy drama “Charmed” in 1998. This was another breakout show for Balding starring Shannen Doherty, Alyssa Milano, and Holly Marie Combs. She also played Milano’s boss Elise Rothman in the show from 2002 to 2006.
Rebecca’s last TV appearance came in 2006’s Charmed episode “Kill Billie: Vol. 2.” After that, she started focusing more on her family and home.
Who is James L. Conway?
James L. Conway is Rebecca Balding’s husband. The couple had been married for the last 41 years. The two met on the set of “The Boogens” film as Conway had revealed in an interview. He then proposed to Rebecca and she accepted the proposal.
By profession, James L. Conway, is a film director, writer, producer, studio executive, and novelist. He is 71 years old. The American director is widely known for hit movies like The Boogens and Hangar 18.
Rebecca Balding is Survived by her family
Rebecca Balding is survived by her husband James L. Conway, her daughters Sarah and Kathleen, and her grandchildren. The late actress spent her last moments around her family and loved ones before she bid her final adieu.
Tributes have been coming to Rebecca’s way as the world is feeling sad about her departure.
“Just heard that Rebecca Balding has passed away. I’ve been discovering some of Rebecca’s work over the last few years—she’s a genuine delight in SILENT SCREAM and THE BOOGENS, and deserves a bigger cache in horror fandom. RIP,” wrote Bill Bria.
“R.I.P Rebecca Balding. My condolences to her family and friends. Elise will always have a place in our hearts! #Charmed #RebeccaBalding,” wrote a Twitter user.
May God let the departed soul rest in peace and offer strength to her family.