Shannon Wilcox, a celebrated actress known for her roles in "The Karate Kid" and "The Princess Diaries," has passed away at the age of 80.
Wilcox's career spanned nearly five decades in the film industry, during which she made a significant impact through her work in both film and television. Notably, she stood out in iconic television series such as "Dallas," "Buck James," and "Grey's Anatomy." Her daughter, Keli, who is also an actress and director, confirmed her mother's passing to The Hollywood Reporter, disclosing that Shannon Wilcox breathed her last on September 2 in a Los Angeles hospital.
Throughout her illustrious career, Wilcox left an indelible mark on the film industry with appearances in notable films such as "The Princess Diaries" and her portrayal of Ali Mills (opposite Elisabeth Shue) in the iconic "The Karate Kid" (1984), directed by John G. Avildsen.
Her filmography also boasts roles in movies like "The Border" (1982) by Tony Richardson, "Legal Eagles" (1986) directed by Ivan Reitman, "For the Boys" (1991) helmed by Mark Rydell, and David Fincher's "Seven" (1995).
Among Shannon Wilcox's most acclaimed performances, her role as the ex-wife of Doctor Jenkins (played by Willie Nelson) in "Songwriter" (1984) stands out, as well as her portrayal of a politician's wife in California who crosses paths with a woman and her ailing son in "Six Weeks" (1982). She also played a prostitute accompanying Al Pacino's character in the comedy-drama "Frankie and Johnny" (1991).
Additional films featuring the actress include "Runaway Bride," "Raising Helen," "The Other Sister," "Exit to Eden," "Dear God," "Legal Eagles," and "The Border."
Shannon Wilcox made her debut on the small screen in 1976, appearing in the action series "Starsky and Hutch." Over the years, she made guest appearances on various television series in the late '70s and early '80s, including "Sirota's Court," "Dog and Cat," "Hawaii Five-O," "Hart to Hart," "Cagney & Lacey," "Magnum, P.I.," "Remington Steele," and "Buck James."
One of Wilcox's more recent television appearances was in a 2020 episode of "Grey's Anatomy," where she portrayed Irene Sholman, an elderly woman whose unwavering love for her husband endured despite his severe illness.
Shannon Wilcox, known professionally as Shannon Wilcox, was a prolific American actress and producer with over 70 productions, encompassing both films and television series.
In 1981, Shannon Wilcox was among the inaugural group of actors and filmmakers invited by Sydney Pollack to participate in the Sundance Institute.
Wilcox's marital journey included a union with plastic surgeon John Williams from 1965 to 1984. Later, in 2005, she tied the knot with the late Alex Rocco, an Emmy-winning actor renowned for his role as Moe Greene in the acclaimed film "The Godfather."
