Carol Nugent


Carol Nugent is an American actress who began her career as a child. Nugent appeared in over 20 feature films and 11 television programs during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Her 1959 marriage to actor Nick Adams ended with his death in 1968, before their divorce had been finalized.

Biography

Early life

Nugent was born in Los Angeles, the elder daughter of Lucille and Carl Nugent. Her father was a property master for MGM and her mother later became a talent agent, managing Carol's career along with that of her younger sister Judy Nugent.

Hollywood career

Nugent was a child actor, first appearing on screen at age seven in Secret Command. She played small parts in four more movies over the next three years and in one of these, she and her sister Judy portrayed the same character at different ages. She was in a few popular hits, including Cheaper by the Dozen and Belles on Their Toes but as a child actor never quite made the transition from bit player to larger roles. However, as a teen Nugent grew into ingenue parts on television and in B-films. She was a supporting actress throughout her career, which tapered off sharply after she married and had children.

Personal life

Nugent married actor Nick Adams.
In a 1961 interview Adams said, "Carol is my good-luck charm. My first real success, the turn of the tide, came right after I fell in love with her. Then I formed my own production company and we sold The Rebel." However, in the same interview Nugent said, "Let's not overdo the sweetness and light. Naturally, Nick and I had our problems at the start". Gossip columnist Rona Barrett later wrote that Nugent "was one of the most refreshing wives in the entire community."
John G. Stephens and Nugent married in 2002; Stephens died in 2018.

Filmography

Secret Command as JoanLittle Mister Jim as ClaraThe Sea of Grass as Sarah Beth at age 7Green Dolphin Street as Veronica at age 7It Had to Be You as Victoria at age 6Cheaper by the Dozen as Young GirlTrail of Robin Hood as Sis McGonigleHere Comes the Groom as McGonigle GirlIt's a Big Country as GirlBelles on Their Toes as Lily GilbrethThe Story of Will Rogers as young Mary RogersThe Lusty Men as Rusty DavisFast Company as Jigger ParksonMa and Pa Kettle at Home as Nancy KettleDrum Beat as Young GirlThe Unguarded Moment as DancerLost, Lonely and Vicious as PinkieThe Badlanders as stagecoach passenger's daughterInside the Mafia as Sandy BalcomThe Crimson Kimono as GirlVice Raid as Louise Hudson

Television credits

The Gene Autry Show: "Return of Maverick Dan" as Barbara "Bobbie" BlakeTV Reader's Digest: "If I Were Rich" The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp: "Shootin' Woman" as Young WomanThe 20th Century-Fox Hour: "Threat to a Happy Ending" as AnneDeath Valley Days: "The Calico Dog" as Nancy DrakeThe Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok: "Town Without Law" as Sue LightfootMickey Spillane's Mike Hammer: "That Schoolgirl Complex" as ClaudiaPerry Mason: "The Case of the Fraudulent Foto" as Helen PrestonThe Millionaire: "Millionaire Charles Bradwell" as sisterThe Rebel: "Yellow Hair" as Indian GirlFamily Affair: "A Matter of Tonsils" as Miss Jones