In Rhonda's early career, she had top-featured roles in Spellbound with Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck and in Out of the Past with Robert Mitchum. She went on to star in such film classics as Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Spellbound, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court and Slightly Scarlett. Her co-stars have included Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, Glenn Ford, Burt Lancaster, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Ronald Reagan, with whom she made four films. Rhonda also starred on Broadway in Clare Booth Luce's The Women and in the Los Angeles Music Center's production of Kismet. She made her stage musical debut in Las Vegas at the opening of the Tropicana Hotel's showroom. She also appeared at the Hollywood Bowl in a one-woman concert of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin compositions.

She has received the "Lifetime Achievement Award' from the CineVegas Film Festival in 2005, a 'Silver Spur Award' for her longstanding career in westerns from Reel Cowboys and has been actively involved with Media Fellowship International and Master Media International, focusing on Christianity in the entertainment industry. Rhonda is slated to receive the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the Southern California Motion Picture Council in early December 2005.

Although her stage career and 47 film appearances were an important part of her life, Rhonda now focuses her time and dedication to her work at UCLA and to P.A.T.H. (People Assisting the Homeless'), which houses more than 10,000 homeless women, children and men each year, helping them to get back on their feet. Rhonda has dedicated her life to helping the hurting and sick, the homeless and destitute - and all the while her devotion and faith in the Lord have been the source of her strength.

In 1991, Rhonda established, in her sister's memory, the Rhonda Fleming Clinic for Women's Comprehensive Care at the UCLA 200 Medical Center Plaza. This clinic provides a full range of expert gynecologic and obstetric care to women from all segments of society. In 1992, she founded the Rhonda Fleming Mann Resource Center for Women with Cancer at UCLA. It was the fulfillment of Rhonda's vision to create a safe, warm place where women and their families can receive the highest quality psychosocial and emotional care as well as assistance with the complex practical problems that arise with cancer. In May 1997, Reflections was opened, a unique retail store and consultation suite that carries wigs, head-coverings, breast prostheses and other items to help men, women and children deal with the physical appearance changes brought on by cancer and its treatments. Rhonda's clinic, center, and shop staff have been guided by her belief that caring, compassion, communication and commitment are essential components of the healing process.

Rhonda also supports many philanthropic and humanitarian organizations including Ambassador of Childhelp USA, Olive Crest Treatment Centers for Abused Children, ARCS (Achievement Awards for College Scientists), Pepperdine University, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, French Foundation for Alzheimer Research, P.A.T.H. (People Assisting the Homeless), where she has established the Rhonda Fleming Family Center, as well as her support of many animal safety and protection organizations, such as Pet Adoption Fund and the SPCA. Rhonda was a longtime member of the Blue Ribbon of the Music Center and currently serves on the Board of Saint John's Health Center. Rhonda also created, at the City of Hope, the Rhonda Fleming Research Fellowship to advance research and treatment associated with women's cancer. She is the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of her efforts to improve the lives of others. Rhonda is also an active member of the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet for the Peale Center for Christian Living.

A native-born Californian, Rhonda Fleming attended Beverly Hills public and private schools. Her mother, Effie Graham, was a famous model and actress in New York. Rhonda lives in Century City, California with her husband, Darol W. Carlson. She has a son, Kent Lane, two granddaughters, Kimberly and Kelly, and four great-grandchildren.

Back to Events


Home  |  About Us  |  Events  |  Booths  |  Vendor Info  |  Sponsors  |  Press Room
Strawberry Festival of Garden Grove - Memorial Day Weekend - May 25 - May 28, 2007

Home Page About Us Events Booths Contests Vendor Info Sponsors Press Room