Ann Prentiss

Ann Prentiss (November 27, 1939 – January 12, 2010) was a notable American actress, born Ann Elizabeth Ragusa in San Antonio, Texas. She was the daughter of Paulene Gardner and Thomas J. Ragusa, with her father hailing from a Sicilian background. Ann's artistic legacy is carried on by her elder sister, Paula Prentiss, who also pursued a successful acting career.

Throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Prentiss made her mark with a variety of supporting roles across both film and television. She is remembered for her appearances in iconic shows such as "Get Smart," “Hogan's Heroes,” and “Baretta,” showcasing her comedic talent. In the 1988 comedy "My Stepmother Is an Alien," she lent her voice to an alien character, sharing the screen with stars like Kim Basinger and Dan Aykroyd. Her filmography also includes roles in notable films, including "Any Wednesday" (1966), "If He Hollers, Let Him Go!" (1968), "The Out-of-Towners" (1970), and "California Split" (1974).

Tragically, Prentiss's life took a dark turn when she was convicted in a California court in 1996 for assaulting her father and making threats against family members. Following an attempt to hire someone to harm individuals close to her, she was sentenced to 19 years in prison. Ann Prentiss passed away on January 12, 2010, while incarcerated, leaving behind a complicated legacy intertwined with her artistic contributions and personal struggles.