Janet Carroll, 'Risky Business' Actress, Dies at 71
Janet Carroll, who played Tom Cruise's onscreen mother in "Risky Business," has died in New York at age 71 on Tuesday.
The actress had long suffered from health issues ahead of her death, according to several sources.
Born in Chicago, Carroll was classically and theatrically trained in all areas of performance art, according to IMDb. Her acting career spanned over 30 years and included Broadway as well as television.
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Carroll's first film was the classic comedy-drama "Risky Business" where she portrayed the oblivious mother of a teenaged son. In it, Joel, portrayed by Cruise, takes advantage of his parents' vacation and unbeknownst to them, opens a brothel in their home.
The film also saw actors Rebecca De Mornay and Joe Pantoliano.
The stage and screen actress also appeared in television series such as "Law and Order: SVU," "Knight Rider," "21 Jump Street," and "Scrubs," according to People magazine.
Additionally, Carroll filled recurring roles on "Married With Children," "Murphy Brown," and "Melrose Place."
Her big screen appearances included "Enough" which starred Jennifer Lopez, "Forces of Nature" with Sandra Bullock, and "Family Business," which starred Dustin Hoffman, Sean Connery, and Matthew Broderick.
In 2004, Carroll portrayed Aunt March in the Broadway production of "Little Women."
On Twitter, movie goers are mourning the loss of the iconic actress from "Risky Business."
Lauren wrote, "So sadden[ed] 2 hear of the death of character actor Janet Carroll- She'll always B # 1 Doris Day in my book #MurphyBrown"
"RIP Janet Carroll," wrote Gapers Block.
Twitter user Antenna TV posted, "Sad news."
Carroll leaves behind her son, George Brown. A memorial service will be held for the actress in Manhattan on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, her co-star in "Risky Business" Tom Cruise is preparing for the release of his new film, "Rock of Ages." Additionally, the actor has reportedly accepted a role in the upcoming remake of "The Magnificent Seven."
