Lisa Marie
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Biography
This tall, striking blonde starlet has done impressive, attention-grabbing bits in films directed by her offscreen companion Tim Burton. The New Jersey-born Lisa Marie (nee Smith) was a ballet student as a child, then ran away from her unhappy home life at age 15. She went on to be featured in Bruce Weber's jazz documentary "Let's Get Lost" (1988) and landed a small role as a party guest in Woody Allen's "Alice" (1990). Additionally, she carved a secondary career as a model, posing for photographer Robert Mapplethorpe as well as appearing in Calvin Klein ads.
Her first film with Burton was the biopic "Ed Wood" (1994), playing 50s horror show hostess Vampira (nee Maila Nurmi). Decked out in Vampira's trademark black fishtail gown and long wig, eyebrows winging off her forehead, Lisa Marie lurched elegantly through her role. She was even more attention-getting in Burton's "Mars Attacks!" (1996), as a silent and deadly Martian Girl, disguised as a Marilyn Monroe-like sexpot to gain access to the White House. Again, Lisa Marie teetered about in a clinging, skin-tight gown, this time topped by a huge blonde wig, ostensibly to cover her Martian brain. She subsequently acted in Burton's "Sleepy Hollow" (1999, as Ichobod Crane's mother) and "Planet of the Apes" (2001, as one of the simians).
Life Events
1988
Appeared as herself in "Let's Get Lost"
1991
Met director Tim Burton at a New Year's Eve party
1994
First film role under Burton's direction, played Mala Nurmi (aka Vampira) in "Ed Wood"
1996
Had prominent non-speaking role as a Marilyn Monroe-like alien in Burton's "Mars Attacks!"
1997
First role in a project not directed by Burton, acted in the HBO black comedy "Breast Men"
1999
Portrayed Ichabod Crane's mother, seen in flashbacks, in "Sleepy Hollow", directed by Burton
2001
Had small role in Burton's adaptation of "Planet of the Apes"
2001
Hosted the Sci-Fi Channel series "Exposure"
Companions
