Donna Wilkes is an American actress born in Manhattan, New York City, known for her notable roles in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning several decades, she has captivated audiences with her talent and charm. In this article, we will delve into Donna Wilkes’ net worth early life, career, personal life, physical characteristics, and more, shedding light on the fascinating journey of Donna Wilkes.
Early life
Donna Wilkes was born on November 11, 1959, in Spanish Harlem, Manhattan, New York City. Her age is 63 years. Wayman Otis Wilkes (1918 – 2013), an Irish American chiropractor from Texas, was her father, while her mother, a nightclub singer from El Salvador, was of Spanish and French heritage. Wilkes’ parents separated when she was three months old. She grew bilingually. She is proficient in both English and Spanish.
Donna Wilkes made her first advertisement for Keds trainers when she was six years old. She studied acting at the Dominica American Theatre of Performing Arts but quit at 11 to become a “normal student.” She moved to the Dominican Republic with her aunt and uncle when she was 12 years old. Wilkes was an exceptional student at the Collegio Santo Domingo, where she graduated at the age of 14. She went to Los Angeles, California, at the age of 15, but because she could not work at such a young age, she convinced several employers that she was 18 and married. Her early positions included working as a computer operator for an ambulance service and as a secretary and administrative assistant for a multinational firm.
Full Name | Donna Wilkes |
---|---|
Profession | Film Actress |
Age | 63 |
Net Worth | $1 million and $5 million |
Country Name | United States |
Nationality | American |
Last Update | Jan 2020 |
Body Size | 40 Inch |
Height | 1.57 m |
Weight KG | 62 KG |
Career beginnings
Donna Wilkes started acting at the age of 17. Her debut appearance was as Jackie Peters in Universal Pictures’ 1978 picture Jaws 2. She got a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) card for her role as Meredith in Almost Summer the same year. She married 39-year-old actor Billy Grey, best known for his work on Father Knows Best when she was approximately 18 years old. The marriage quickly broke.
In the 1980 horror thriller Schizoid, Donna played the mentally deranged daughter of a psychotherapist (played by Klaus Kinski). She went on to play a disabled young lady hunted by a crazed killer with whom she had a psychic link in the Oregon-shot horror thriller Blood Song (1982) alongside Frankie Avalon.
Later career
From 1983 to 1984, Donna Wilkes played Pamela Prentiss in the soap series Days of Our Lives.
She later achieved international acclaim for her major performance in the cult sexploitation film Angel, in which she played Molly “Angel” Stewart, a high school honour student by day and a prostitute at night, with Cliff Gorman, Susan Tyrrell, Dick Shawn, and Rory Calhoun. Donna Wilkes was not involved in any of the three unsuccessful sequels of the film. Wilkes was about 22 years old when she portrayed the 15-year-old role. She spent time preparing for the part in Los Angeles halfway houses and rehabilitation centers. Angel, released by New World Pictures in January 1984, was a box-office success, making $17.5 million in the United States.
Donna Wilkes continued to work on television after Angel, making cameos on Partners in Crime (1984), Hell Town (1985), and Dragnet (1989). She also appeared as a supporting actress in the horror thriller Grotesque (1988) alongside Linda Blair and Tab Hunter. Wilkes gave up performing in the early 1990s after the birth of her daughter. In the 2010s, she returned to acting, playing in independent films such as My Stepbrother Is a Vampire!?! (2013), 90210 Shark Attack (2014), and Buzz Cut (2021).
Personal life of Donna Wilkes
Donna Wilkes has only been married once; the actress was married to Billy Grey, an entertainment business actor. Billy Grey is most recognized for his part in Father Knows Most. The couple married in 1977; however, Their marriage was short-lived since they divorced. Donna was 18 when they married, but their divorce date is unknown.
Physical Characteristics and Charisma
Her remarkable appearance and natural talent have made her a well-known personality in the entertainment sector. She has attracted audiences across many roles with her attractive smile, expressive blue eyes, and black hair, making a lasting impression. She stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 59 kilograms.
Donna Wilkes‘ Net Worth
Donna Wilkes’ net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million as of September 2022. On the other hand, her contributions to the entertainment business have surely left a lasting impact. Her ability, commitment, and spectacular performances have earned her a fan favorite.
In Conclusion
Donna Wilkes’ experience in the entertainment world demonstrates her dedication and talent. She has established herself as a recognised actress, from early beginnings to the big screen and television achievements. While she maintains a private life, her charm and talents in the entertainment business continue to inspire and amuse audiences. Future generations will continue to honour Donna Wilkes’ legacy and her talent.