Born: October 15, 1947
Birthplace: East St. Louis, Illinois, USA
Birth Name: Linda Kay Lowry
Height: 5′ 9″ (1.75 m)
Lynn Lowry is a name that resonates with fans of cult cinema. Born in East St. Louis, Illinois, she grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. Her early life was shaped by creativity, with her father, Jean Lowry, being a jazz trumpet player. Lynn’s journey into the arts began at the age of 17 when she started acting professionally at the Shawnee Summer Stock Theater.
Early Career
In the late 1960s, Lynn moved to New York City to support her young son, Ian Lowry, while pursuing acting opportunities. Her film debut came with a small role in The Battle of Love’s Return (1971), directed by Lloyd Kaufman, who later founded the iconic Troma Entertainment. That same year, she appeared in I Drink Your Blood, marking her entry into the horror genre.
Her breakout performance came in Sugar Cookies (1973), where she played a dual role that required her to step out of her comfort zone and act nude on screen for the first time. This role, along with her appearance in the provocative Score (1973), established her as a symbol of sex appeal in the 1970s.
Iconic Roles
Lynn’s most celebrated performances include her role as Kathy in George A. Romero’s The Crazies (1973). Set in rural Pennsylvania, this action-horror film showcased her ability to embody complex, neurotic characters. She later starred in David Cronenberg’s Shivers (1975), further cementing her status as a horror icon.
Throughout the 1970s, Lynn also appeared in the TV series How to Survive a Marriage (1974) and the action-drama Fighting Mad (1976). While these roles showcased her versatility, it was her work in horror and experimental cinema that left a lasting impact.
Transition to Theater and Later Roles
In the early 1980s, Lynn relocated to Los Angeles. Although the move came with challenges, she found her footing in local theater, performing in various productions. Her passion for music also flourished, leading her to form a band where she performed folk songs and show tunes.
In recent years, Lynn returned to the big screen with memorable performances. One standout role was Gina Cochran in the psychological body horror film Fang (2022), a character she describes as one of her favorites. She also collaborated with August Kyss in Wolf Hollow, Jesus Cop, and Grind.
Read More: Ginger lynn biography
Legacy and Philosophy
Lynn’s reflections on her career highlight her pride in the cult films of the 1970s. In her words:
“Those movies I did in the ‘70s are remarkable. It didn’t occur to me then that they would become part of the cult genre. I was just using them as stepping stones, hoping to move on to mainstream films. But I’m proud of them and amazed at how many people know them.”
She views her recent work as a continuation of her legacy, demonstrating her growth as an actress. Lynn’s approach to acting emphasizes authenticity and artistry, a stark contrast to today’s reliance on special effects. She fondly recalls working on The Crazies (1973):
“We didn’t have seven levels of makeup to show you were crazy. You had to act it. You had to be it.”
Fun Facts
- Lynn worked as a Playboy Bunny in Atlanta, Georgia, during her early twenties.
- She’s known for her striking height of 5’9”, which added to her on-screen presence.
- Her passion for music stems from her father’s influence as a jazz musician.
Filmography
Notable Films:
- The Battle of Love’s Return (1971)
- I Drink Your Blood (1971)
- Sugar Cookies (1973)
- Score (1973)
- The Crazies (1973)
- How to Survive a Marriage (TV Series, 1974)
- Shivers (1975)
- Fighting Mad (1976)
- Fang (2022)
- Wolf Hollow, Jesus Cop, Grind (with August Kyss)
A Lasting Star
From her beginnings in cult horror to her recent ventures in independent cinema, Lynn Lowry remains a fascinating and enduring figure. Her journey is a testament to her resilience, artistry, and passion for storytelling.
