This striking and serious-looking actress, Stephanie Zimbalist, made a smooth transition from a brief stage career to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in problem-of-the-week TV movies. Early on, Zimbalist captured attention with powerful performances—she played a harrowing kidnap victim in Yesterday’s Child, delivered an emotional turn as a grieving family member in In the Matter of Karen Ann Quinlan, and portrayed a deeply felt lovelorn teenager in Forever. But it was her role as the intelligent and stylish sleuth Laura Holt in the popular detective series Remington Steele (NBC, 1982–87), opposite Pierce Brosnan, that truly defined her career. Fans still remember Zimbalist for that iconic performance, which showcased both her charm and strength. Over the years, Zimbalist has continued to impress audiences with compelling portrayals of independent, working women—such as in the heartfelt TV movie The Story Lady and the moving off-Broadway drama The Baby Dance, both released in 1991. Through it all, Zimbalist has maintained a consistent presence, bringing depth and authenticity to every role she takes on.
Well, when it comes to Stephanie Zimbalist’s filmography, things get a bit interesting—her highest rated movie actually turns out to be The Awakening (1980), which, believe it or not, also happens to be her lowest rated film. Yeah, that’s right—Stephanie Zimbalist starred in The Awakening (1980), and depending on who you ask, opinions really seem to vary. Some critics praise Stephanie Zimbalist’s performance, while others aren’t quite as impressed. So overall, whether you love it or hate it, The Awakening (1980) definitely stands out in Stephanie Zimbalist’s career—one way or another.