“Risky Business” Mom Janet Carroll Dies at 71

Janet Carroll played a clueless mother in the 1983 classic

Janet Carroll, who played Tom Cruise’s mom in “Risky Business,” died Tuesday in New York at 71 after a lengthy illness, according to reports.  

The1983 classic was Carroll’s first film role, which led to 20 other film roles and dozens of appearances on TV series like “Law and Order: SVU,” “Knight Rider, “21 Jump Street “ and “Scrubs,” People mag reported. 

She also had recurring roles on "Married With Children," "Murphy Brown" and "Melrose Place.” Big screen credits include "Enough," "Forces of Nature" and "Family Business." In 2004 she starred on Broadway as Aunt March in "Little Women."

Co-starring opposite Cruise in "Risky Business," Carroll played a clueless mother unaware that her son was operating a brothel out of her home while she was away.

Carroll was born in Chicago and got her acting chops in the theater before making her small-screen debut in the TV movie "Chicago Story,” according to E! Online.

The actress, whose career spanned 30 years, is survived by her son, George Brown. A memorial service for Carroll will be held Saturday afternoon in Manhattan.

Her death was first reported by Variety

Selected Reading: Variety, People, E!

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