Ann Kathryn Turkel was born in 1946 and spent her childhood in Manhattan, the daughter of Thelma L. (Friedricks) and Melvin A. Turkel, with roots tracing back to Austrian Jewish and Russian Jewish heritage.
From an early age, Ann pursued her passion for the performing arts, taking acting, dance, and voice lessons. By the time she turned 16, she had honed her craft at the Musical Theatre Academy under the guidance of prominent acting coaches. Her talent and dedication eventually led her to perform in a season of summer stock theatre in 1971.
Ann's impressive height of 6 feet tall caught the attention of an editor at Vogue Magazine, launching her modeling career. Within a short span, she became one of the most sought-after models in the country, gracing the covers of top fashion magazines. Her international appeal soon took her to Europe, where she continued to model with great success.
At the age of 27, Ann decided to leave her successful modeling career behind and co-star in a movie, the surreal detective/mystery 99 and 44/100% Dead! (1974),alongside actor Richard Harris. The two actors fell in love and got married that year, going on to appear in several films together before divorcing in 1982.
Following her divorce, Ann transitioned to television, making guest appearances on various shows and often performing her own stunts. In addition to her acting career, Ann has also ventured into screenwriting and photography, showcasing her versatility.
Ann remains committed to her physical fitness, enjoying a range of sports including tennis, softball, skating, volleyball, and skiing. Her love for the outdoors is reflected in her photography and paintings, which often capture the beauty of nature.
As a dedicated philanthropist, Ann has spoken out on behalf of animal rights and children's causes, volunteering her time and resources to support these important issues. She has also raised funds for various worldwide charities, demonstrating her compassion and commitment to making a positive impact.
