Barbara Ruick

Although she was born and reared right under the nose of the movie industry— her mother is the celebrated TV and radio actress Lurene Tuttle; her father, Melville Ruick, actor and musical conductor—pretty Barbara Ruick took herself clear across the country to the East Coast to make good in the entertainment field. Before that, while attending high school, the young actress had played in the Sam Spade radio series in the part of the younger sister of Effie, the secretary (a part made famous by her mother). But, in 1950, after graduation from high school, Barbara struck out on her own, with New York as her destination. After three weeks, the attractive blonde landed a part on the TV program called Hollywood Screen Test, which showcased new talent. After doing numerous TV and radio shows, Barbara returned to Hollywood. Barbara later appeared on such TV shows as Climax! and The Lineup. . . . then appeared in "Carousel." Barbara, who is divorced from TV actor Robert Horton, is now married to pianist-composer Johnny Williams. The family—now including children Jennifer, 3 1/2, and Mark, 2—lives in Encino.