Ohmart on Ohmart

Gregg Barrios’ two-part story about me (“The Last Starlet,” Jan. 1 and 8) was brilliant. But I’ve got a couple of things to say about me too.

To say my career ended in “failure” is an insult to the many directors, producers, studios who hired me. When I left Hollywood in 1962 I had a beautiful home in Pacific Palisades, a Mercedes-Benz 220SE convertible, a maid, a mink and a chest of precious gems and fine jewelry. I left by choice. And I lived on my valuables for many years.

When I returned to Hollywood in ’72 I was not “in debt,” but merely broke. I got a starring role in a movie right away; OK, not a big-budget number, but I had no agent then. When I got an agent I guest-starred in three major TV dramas right away.

My career didn’t fizzle--it just became impossible after I was mauled by three men and an attack dog. As a result I suffered partial amnesia, and as I could barely remember my own name, I certainly couldn’t work as an actress! I left, again by my own choice, to heal.

My life is now serene and I’m healthy in body, mind and spirit. And my talents are actively at work in many areas.

I’ve never, never reviled Hollywood. I love the people, the talents, the joy of making movies much too much.

CAROL OHMART

Seattle