Barbara Linnea Quigley was born on May 27, 1958, in Davenport, Iowa, to Heath and Dorothy Quigley, her parents. Her mother, a devoted housewife, and her father, a chiropractor and psychologist, played a significant role in shaping her early life. In the late 1970s, the Quigley family relocated to Los Angeles, a move that would ultimately set the stage for Linnea's future endeavors.
Following the family's relocation, Linnea began working at a Jack Lalanne Spa, where she was encouraged to pursue a career in modeling and acting. Her initial foray into the entertainment industry led to small parts in commercials and B-movies, such as "Stone Cold Dead" (1979) and "Wheeler" (1975). These early roles laid the groundwork for her future success.
Linnea's breakout role came in 1985 with the cult classic "The Return of the Living Dead," a film that cemented her status as the "Queen of the Bs." Her reign continued throughout the late 1980s, with films like "Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama" (1988),"Night of the Demons" (1988),and "Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers" (1988) solidifying her position as a leading figure in the B-movie industry.
In 2001, Linnea relocated to Florida to be closer to her ailing parents, who had settled in the state after her father's retirement. Today, she resides in south Florida with her beloved dogs, leading a strict vegan lifestyle and advocating for animal rights.
Despite her extensive filmography, which now numbers over 125 titles, Linnea continues to appear in and produce films. Her fans around the world eagerly await her appearances at horror conventions, where she is often hailed as a fan favorite. In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Linnea has written two books about her experiences in the B-movie world, "Bio & Chainsaw" (1992) and "I'm Screaming as Fast as I Can" (1995).
With a career spanning over 35 years, Linnea Quigley remains "America's Scream Queen," a title she has earned through her tireless dedication to her craft and her enduring popularity among fans of the horror genre.
