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Canadian actress Kate Vernon, centre, where she played mean girl Benny Hanson in "Pretty in Pink" in 1986. Source: https://www.thethings.com/what-happened-the-cast-of-pretty-in-pink-jon-cryer-molly-ringwald/ (May be subject to copyright) |
It took me a minute to recognize her. She was playing the wife of a disgraced television executive on “The Morning Show”, yet it was unmistakable – Canadian Kate Vernon.
It took me back to the first time I saw her, as one of the bullies in “Pretty in Pink”.
She was just starting out, and the daughter of John Vernon, who was best known for playing the anatagonist Dean Wormer in “Animal House”.
Yet, she would carved out a good career that took her to the vineyards of Southern California, alien worlds, and beyond.
Daddy’s girl
John Vernon had gained attention in Canada in “Wojek”, playing the title character Steve Wojek who was a medical examiner in Toronto. It was a precursor to shows such as “Quincy”, “Bones” and more.
John Vernon had gained attention in Canada in “Wojek”, playing the title character Steve Wojek who was a medical examiner in Toronto. It was a precursor to shows such as “Quincy”, “Bones” and more.
However, Vernon wanted to pursue a career in the States, so he left “Wojek” for the bright lights, big city, and bigger money of Hollywood.
With him went his young daughter Kate.
TV time
Kate Vernon made guest appearances in a number of shows in the 1980s including “Dallas”; “Family Ties”; and “Remington Steele” before landing a regular role for 25 episodes on “Falcon Crest” in the 1984-1985 season. I watched that show regularly but, strangely, my most vivid memory is of her character dying.
Kate Vernon made guest appearances in a number of shows in the 1980s including “Dallas”; “Family Ties”; and “Remington Steele” before landing a regular role for 25 episodes on “Falcon Crest” in the 1984-1985 season. I watched that show regularly but, strangely, my most vivid memory is of her character dying.
Before the end of the decade. Vernon would also appear in “Hotel”; “Murder, She Wrote”; “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”; and the miniseries “I’ll Take Manhattan”.
Just bully
“Pretty in Pink”, released in 1986, is one of the John Hughes films I just absolutely loved, because I could relate to the characters. Molly Ringwald plays Andie, a high school senior who doesn’t really fit in, and dances – and dresses – to her own beat.
“Pretty in Pink”, released in 1986, is one of the John Hughes films I just absolutely loved, because I could relate to the characters. Molly Ringwald plays Andie, a high school senior who doesn’t really fit in, and dances – and dresses – to her own beat.
I will always remember how she was bullied in gym class by another girl, named Benny, who was just mean. She is also harassed by Benny and her boyfriend Steff, who is just an arrogant, entitled rich kid.
Benny was played, to great effect, by Kate Vernon, while a very young James Spader played Steff.
That was my introduction to Kate Vernon.
The years after
Kate Vernon would put together a solid career in the 1990s and beyond with extended guest roles in “Who’s the Boss?”; “L.A. Law”; and “Nash Bridges” as well as episodes of “Jake and the Fatman”; “Father Dowling Mysteries”; “Star Trek: Voyager”; “The Mentalist”; “Saving Grace”; “Bones”; “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”; “Heroes”; “Arctic Air”; and “NCIS’; and the motion picture “Malcolm X”.
Kate Vernon would put together a solid career in the 1990s and beyond with extended guest roles in “Who’s the Boss?”; “L.A. Law”; and “Nash Bridges” as well as episodes of “Jake and the Fatman”; “Father Dowling Mysteries”; “Star Trek: Voyager”; “The Mentalist”; “Saving Grace”; “Bones”; “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”; “Heroes”; “Arctic Air”; and “NCIS’; and the motion picture “Malcolm X”.
She also played Ellen Tigh, the crazy wife of Colonel Saul Tigh on the reboot of “Battlestar Galactica” from 2004 to 2009. Vernon was quite impressive in that role as vulnerable, manipulative, and willing to sleep with anyone and do anything to enhance her stature and that of her husband.
Vernon continues to act to this day, one of her most recent roles being in “The Morning Show”.
Parting thoughts
Kate Vernon will forever be Benny, the girl who bullied Andie in “Pretty in Pink”. She was so good as the heartless, ‘80s mean girl, her performance just made the happy ending an even bigger payoff.
Kate Vernon will forever be Benny, the girl who bullied Andie in “Pretty in Pink”. She was so good as the heartless, ‘80s mean girl, her performance just made the happy ending an even bigger payoff.
There was a little bit of that, and a lot more evil and conniving, in her portrayal of Ellen Tighe.
It showed just how good an actress Kate Vernon can be.
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