Alexa Kenin

Alexa Kenin
Born Alexa Jordan Kenin
(1962-02-16)February 16, 1962
New York City, New York, U.S.
Died September 10, 1985(1985-09-10) (aged 23)
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Resting place New Montefiore Cemetery
Nationality American
Education Beverly Hills High School
Occupation Actress
Years active 1972–1985

Alexa Jordan Kenin (February 16, 1962 – September 10, 1985) was an American actress known for her supporting roles in several films released during the 1980s, including Little Darlings (1980), Honkytonk Man (1982), and Pretty in Pink (1986) which was released after her death.

Career

Kenin was born in New York City. Her parents divorced when she was young and her mother, actress Maya Kenin, married character actor John Ryan. Kenin began acting as a child and won her first professional part with a supporting role in the 1972 holiday TV special The House Without a Christmas Tree, which starred Jason Robards and Lisa Lucas. At the age of ten, she was offered the role of Regan MacNeil in The Exorcist. Kenin turned the role down and Linda Blair was eventually cast.[1]

In 1977, Kenin appeared in John Guare's Landscape of the Body at The Public Theater and in the off-Broadway production of Elusive Angel. In December 1980, she portrayed the role of "Libby" in the touring production of Neil Simon's I Ought to Be in Pictures, starring Bill Macy and Patricia Harty.[2] She also guest starred in several episodes of ABC Afterschool Special, and in the 1982 TV film A Piano for Mrs. Cimino opposite Bette Davis.[3]

At the age of 17, Kenin and her mother moved to Los Angeles after her mother divorced John Ryan. Kenin attended Beverly Hills High School while also maintaining her acting career.[1] In 1979, she was cast in the CBS sitcom Co-Ed Fever. The series was canceled after one episode.[4] The following year, she co-starred in the teen comedy Little Darlings, starring Kristy MacNichol and Tatum O'Neal.

In 1982, Kenin guest starred on episodes of The Facts of Life and Gimme a Break!. In the same year she played, in Honkytonk Man, the part of an aspiring young singer alongside Clint Eastwood as he makes his way to Nashville. One of Kenin's final roles was in the John Hughes film Pretty in Pink.

Death

On September 10, 1985, Kenin's body was found in her Manhattan apartment. Her cause of death was not publicly released. She may have been murdered by her ex-boyfriend.[3]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1972 The House Without a Christmas Tree Carla Mae Television movie
1976–1982 ABC Afterschool Special Various roles 5 episodes
1977 Off Campus Alexis Television film
1978 The Word Judy Randall Miniseries
1979 Co-Ed Fever Mouse 6 episodes
1980 Little Darlings Dana
1980 A Perfect Match Angel Television movie
1981 Word of Honor Beverly Television movie
1981 Too Close for Comfort Ethel Kadinsky Episode: "Who's Sara Now?"
1982 A Piano for Mrs. Cimino Karen Cimino Television film
1982 The Facts of Life Jesse Episode: "New York, New York"
1982 Gimme a Break! C.C. Episode: "Hot Muffins"
1982 Honkytonk Man Marlene
1983 The Mississippi Francie Episode: "Edge of the River"
1983 Princess Daisy Kiki Kavanaugh Television miniseries
1986 Pretty in Pink Jena Hoeman Released posthumously
1989 Animal Behavior Sheila Sandusky Released posthumously

References

  1. 1 2 Kleiner, Dick (May 2, 1980). "Alexa Kenin Talented Girl". Waycross Journal-Herald. pp. P–17. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
  2. ↑ von Maurer, Bill (December 19, 1980). "Stars make 'Pictures' good theater". The Miami News. p. 12D. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Alexa Kenin". The New York Times. September 12, 1985. Retrieved March 7, 2009.
  4. ↑ Ross, Dalton (January 24, 2005). "One-Show Wonders". ew.com. Retrieved January 27, 2013.

External links

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