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Janet Carroll, Actress Who Played Moms On Film And TV, Dies At 71

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Actress Janet Carroll, who played the mother of Tom Cruise's character in the movie "Risky Business" and the mother of kooky Kimberly on "Melrose Place," has died. She was 71.

Carroll's son, George Brown, said the actress died Tuesday in New York after a long illness.

Carroll worked steadily since that breakthrough role with Cruise in 1983. Her film credits include "Family Business," with Sean Connery and Matthew Broderick, and "Memories of Me" with Billy Crystal. On television, in addition to the recurring role on "Melrose Place," she appeared in such shows as "Murphy Brown" (as Jim Dial's wife) and "Married With Children" (as Gary.)

Carroll served as artistic director of the jazz series at the Simi Valley Cultural Center in Southern California for many years and performed on tour with the Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band.

A memorial service will be held Saturday in New York City.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

 

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