Betsy Palmer - Actor Profile

Betsy Palmer

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
37Total Films
8.7 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 1, 1926
Birth Place: East Chicago, Indiana, USA

About Betsy Palmer

Betsy Palmer (November 1, 1926 – May 29, 2015) was an American actress, best known as a regular panelist on the game show I've Got a Secret and later for playing Pamela Voorhees in the slasher film Friday the 13th (1980).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Betsy Palmer reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 37 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of Betsy Palmer's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 41% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Betsy Palmer remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in James Dean and Me, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Betsy Palmer Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Betsy Palmer's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Betsy Palmer.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2021 Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age Self Flop Similar →
2013 Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th Self Super Hit Similar →
2010 His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th Self Hit Similar →
2009 Into the Pit: The Shocking Story of Deadpit.com Self Average Similar →
2009 Friday's Legacy: Horror Conventions Self Flop Similar →
2007 Bell Witch: The Movie Bell Witch Flop Similar →
2006 Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film Self Hit Similar →
2006 Betsy Palmer: A Scream Queen Legend Herself Flop Similar →
2005 Penny Dreadful Trudie Tredwell Flop Similar →
2004 The Friday the 13th Chronicles Self Super Hit Similar →
2004 Friday the 13th: From Crystal Lake to Manhattan (Crystal Lake Victims Tell All - Documentary) Self Hit Similar →
2003 Return to Crystal Lake: Making 'Friday the 13th' Herself Average Similar →
2002 Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star Self - Actress Hit Similar →
1999 The Fear: Resurrection Grandmother Flop Similar →
1999 Television: The First Fifty Years Self Flop Similar →
1995 James Dean and Me Self (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1994 Unveiled Eva Flop Similar →
1992 Still Not Quite Human Aunt Mildred Flop Similar →
1988 Goddess of Love Hera Flop Similar →
1984 Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter Pamela Voorhees (archive footage) Average Similar →
1982 Friday the 13th Part III Mrs. Pamela Voorhees (archive footage) Average Similar →
1981 Isabel's Choice Ellie Fineman Flop Similar →
1981 Friday the 13th Part 2 Mrs. Voorhees Average Similar →
1980 Friday the 13th Mrs. Voorhees Average Similar →
1959 The Last Angry Man Anna Thrasher Hit Similar →
1959 It Happened to Jane Betsy Palmer Average Similar →
1958 The True Story of Lynn Stuart Phyllis Carter / Lynn Stuart Hit Similar →
1958 No Time at All Emmy Verdon Flop Similar →
1957 The Tin Star Nona Mayfield Hit Similar →
1955 Queen Bee Carol Lee Phillips Average Similar →
1955 Mister Roberts Lieutenant Ann Girard Hit Similar →
1955 The Red, White and Blue Line Self Average Similar →
1955 Death Tide Gloria Average Similar →
1955 The Long Gray Line Kitty Carter Hit Similar →
1953 Death Is My Neighbor Netta Hit Similar →
1953 Sentence of Death Ellen Morrison Hit Similar →
1953 Marty Virginia Super Hit Similar →

Betsy Palmer - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Betsy Palmer?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Betsy Palmer is "James Dean and Me" with a rating of 8.7/10.

How many movies has Betsy Palmer acted in?

Betsy Palmer has been featured in at least 37 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Betsy Palmer?

Other notable films include "The Friday the 13th Chronicles", "Marty", and "Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th".