This Former Child Star of the 60s Chose a New Name & New Career After Hollywood Fame – Inside Her Life

Hollywood has long been a place of reinvention, but few stars have navigated its challenges quite like this actress. Born into the spotlight as a child star, she achieved early success in film and television, only to face the harsh realities of a cut-throat industry.

Refusing to let adversity define her, she took a bold step, changing her name and carving out a career that led her to fame in the 1980s hit “Dallas.” Years later, her journey took an unexpected turn as she embraced a new identity in politics. Can you guess who she is?

A Child Star’s Roller-Coaster Ride

Born on December 5, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, as Suzanne Cupito, this actress entered the world with dreams as bright as the Hollywood lights that surrounded her. From a young age, she was determined to make a name for herself.

“I grew up in this,” she once reflected. “I couldn’t have been happy doing anything else.” Her career began with an unforgettable role in the 1962 musical film “Gypsy,” where she starred as the younger sister of Natalie Wood’s character.

This marked the start of a promising future. The child star went on to appear in popular television shows like “Sea Hunt,” quickly becoming a familiar face in the entertainment industry.

However, as adolescence arrived, the industry’s harsh standards became painfully clear. By 14, the actress found herself in a precarious position as studios did not want to work with her.

The thriving career she had built came to an abrupt halt, and she was forced to leave acting temporarily. During this challenging time, she turned to modeling, only to face further hurdles.

“When I turned 14 and couldn’t play kids anymore, I became a model. Then I had to fight the prejudice against models when I began acting again. Hollywood believes models can’t act, that they have no personalities,” she revealed.

Seven years later, a romance novel changed everything. Inspired by the glamorous heroine in the book, the actress adopted a new name, shedding the identity that no longer served her.

“When I shed the old name, I shed the person nobody liked,” she admitted. This bold move marked a new chapter in her life and reignited her acting career.

Her big break then came in 1978, when she was cast in the hit TV series “Dallas.” Taking on the role of Katherine Wentworth, the scheming and conniving half-sister of Pamela Ewing and Cliff Barnes, she delivered a standout performance that left audiences captivated.

The role propelled her into the spotlight, bringing both fame and financial success. “This job came up to me and hit me with fame,” she said. “You have no control.” While her portrayal of Katherine brought widespread recognition, it also came with its own set of challenges.

The actress became typecast as a bad girl, with her striking beauty often used to emphasize her characters’ darker traits. Heavy makeup and dramatic styling were used to give her an unrelenting, severe look, reinforcing the image of her as a femme fatale.

The “Dallas” star noted, “I didn’t want to be typecast as a mean woman.” Disillusioned with the lack of diverse roles, she stepped away from Hollywood to focus on her personal life.

She married stunt coordinator Jack Gill and embraced her role as a mother to their two children, Katie and Cody. However, stepping back did not mean giving up.

Determined to show her versatility, the actress worked tirelessly to change how producers saw her. “I’ve tried to convince producers I could play something other than […] the other woman, or unsympathetic parts,” she said.

However, casting directors often dismissed her without giving her a chance to audition, assuming she didn’t have the range for more relatable roles.

“I should have known how difficult it is to break an image. I was a child actress and had to fight against preconceived ideas when I tried to find adult roles,” the actress stated.

Despite these setbacks, her persistence paid off. A pivotal moment came when she landed a comedic role in “L.A. Law,” breaking free from the femme fatale image.

This led to appearances in shows like “Dear John” and “Married with Children,” where she displayed a knack for comedy that surprised many. “Now the doors are open,” she shared. “I can show producers comedy footage proving I don’t have to look as if I’m going to wave a gun around.”

Reinventing Herself

This actress is none other than Morgan Brittany, who after leaving the glitz and glamour of Hollywood behind, charted an unexpected new course.

Since the 2000s, she emerged as a prominent conservative political commentator, sharing her views on platforms like “Hannity” on FOX News, “The Rick Amato Show” on One America, and “The Kudlow Report” on CNBC.

Brittany used her platform to discuss conservative values and advocate for causes close to her heart, including issues affecting veterans. Her influence extended beyond television.

In 2014, she co-authored the best-selling book “What Women Really Want,” which explored modern conservative perspectives on women’s issues.

Brittany also became a co-owner and anchor for “PolitiChicks,” an online news outlet offering conservative viewpoints. Through her weekly columns for outlets like “World Net Daily” and “Townhall Finance,” she continued to amplify her message and stand firm in her beliefs.

However, navigating Hollywood as an outspoken conservative was allegedly far from easy. In 2011, the actress reflected on her experiences during a California Congress of Republicans event, where she appeared alongside actor Clint Howard.

The pair, with their combined decades of acting experience, noted Hollywood’s reportedly increasing intolerance for political dissent. Brittany recounted how she stayed silent about her views on location with the “Dallas” crew, fearing it could cost her career.

“Everybody in the van was bashing President Reagan,” she revealed. “I never said anything because I thought I’d lose my job. And I probably would have lost my job.”

It wasn’t until her time on “Dallas” ended and she embraced motherhood that the actress felt compelled to speak out. “Enough is enough,” she said. “I’m not going to be silent any longer. If I’m silent, then I’m enabling these people and letting them win.”

Her decision to break her silence was met with sharp resistance. Brittany recounted the backlash from industry professionals, including agents and casting directors. “Oh man, the flak I took,” she revealed.

Despite the criticism, she refused to back down. “They’re not going to hire me because I have an opinion? That’s the way Hollywood is, and unfortunately, I got that. But I still wasn’t going to back down,” she declared.

Brittany’s decision to publicly share her political views came with both challenges and opportunities. While it may have affected her prospects in Hollywood, it allowed her to connect with like-minded individuals and establish herself as a recognizable figure in conservative media.

Recently, as she celebrated her 74th birthday, her lasting presence was felt in a different way as fans and admirers turned to social media to celebrate her timeless beauty and grace.

“Underated [sic] Beauty,” one social media user said of the actress. Another shared, “Another one I had a crush on.” A third person typed, “Beautiful Face Always,” and a fourth wrote, “Great in Dallas!”

Brittany’s journey from child star to Hollywood actress, and eventually to a prominent political voice, showcases her ability to adapt and persevere. Whether captivating audiences on-screen or standing firm in her convictions off-screen, she carved out a unique legacy.