Carol Speed

Carolyn Ann Stewart (born March 14, 1945), known professionally as Carol Speed is an American actress, singer and author. Speed is best known for her roles in films during the 1970s blaxploitation era, most notably starring as Abby Williams in the American International Pictures 1974 blaxploitation horror film Abby.

Biography

Speed was raised in San Jose, California. Speed began performing at a young age. At age 12, Speed received her first acting role in the San Jose Light Opera production of "The King & I". During her youth, Speed was a part of a singing group which included two of her cousins. For high school, Speed attended William C. Overfelt High School, where she was voted "Best All Around" for her senior class. She graduated in 1963. Speed began her professional career in television in 1970, landing a minor role as Clara Dormin on an episode of NBC series Julia starring Diahann Carroll. Thereafter, Speed had numerous roles in blaxplotation films; appearing in sixteen films since 1971.

Selected filmography

• The Big Bird Cage (1972) – Mickie
• The New Centurions (1972) – Martha
• The Mack (1973) – Lulu
• Savage! (1973) – Amanda
• Dynamite Brothers (1974) – Sarah
• Black Samson (1974) – Leslie
• Abby (1974) – Abby Williams
• Disco Godfather (1979) – Noel