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Jana LundAmerican actress
Date of Birth: 28.08.1933
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Jana Lund
Early Life and FamilyJana Cozette Ekelund, known as Jana Lund, was born on August 28, 1933, in Los Angeles, California. She was the daughter of Leonard E. Ekelund and Gladys M. Lewis, both of Scandinavian descent. Lund grew up in a family with five older brothers: Edward E., Robert L., Darcy Lee, Gareth Paget, and Ivan Noell. Her sister, Caryll Ann, was born in March 1935 but tragically died in a fire accident during Halloween night in 1939. Lund's brothers carried her sister's coffin at the funeral, while a musical quartet played her favorite song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," from the musical "The Wizard of Oz."
Career and Controversies
In March 1953, Lund enrolled as a college student in San Jose, California. Later that year, in August, a photo of her in a swimsuit appeared in the magazine 'Pageant.' In April 1954, Lund was involved in a legal dispute in Redwood City, California, trying to claim $77,400 for the loss of three front teeth. She alleged that two college students, Jeanne Reding and Gwen Beacon, poured icy water on her while she was sleeping, causing her to fall and injure her teeth.
Lund attended the premiere of the film "Helen of Troy" in February 1956, accompanied by Wayne Mallory, the brother of actor Guy Madison. In March 1957, she auditioned for a supporting role in the comedy film "How to Marry a Millionaire," alongside other contenders such as Sue Carson, Doe Avedon, Leigh Snowden, Joan Evans, and Jan Harrison.
In June 1957, Elvis Presley invited Lund to watch the film "The Ten Commandments" together, instead of Barbara Nichols. Over time, Lund was frequently seen with lawyer Arthur J. Crowley, but in September 1961, Terry Huntington, Miss USA 1959, filed a lawsuit against Crowley, claiming she was expecting his child. In November 1961, Crowley admitted to having a relationship with Huntington but denied paternity, stating that she threatened to ruin his reputation if he didn't lend her $1,200.
In April 1962, Lund performed on Jerry Lewis' new show. On December 15 of the same year, she married Crowley in Los Angeles. Lund was 29 years old at the time, while Crowley was 37. In January 1963, Crowley declared the Huntington case was merely a public spectacle and underwent a series of lie detector tests to resolve any paternity issues. Huntington's daughter, Elizabeth Paige Crowley, was born in May 1962.
Later Life and Career
On October 10, 1965, Lund gave birth to her son, Cameron P., in Los Angeles. In March 1968, she welcomed her daughter, Kimberly E., in the same city. Lund and Crowley officially ended their relationship with a divorce in August 1979.
Throughout her career, Lund appeared in various television series, including "The Red Skelton Hour," "Dragnet," "Sea Hunt," and "The Dick Powell Show." She also starred in films such as "Don't Knock the Rock," "Loving You" with Elvis Presley, "Frankenstein-1970," "High School Hellcats," and "Married Too Young."
Death
Jana Cozette Crowley died at the age of 57 on July 20, 1991, in Los Angeles.
