Koo Stark

Infobox Person
name = Koo Stark

image_size = 300px
caption = Koo Stark as “Camie,” a cut character from "Star Wars"
birth_name = Kathleen Dee-Anne Stark
birth_date = birth date and age|1956|04|26
birth_place =

Kathleen Dee-Anne Stark, better known as Koo Stark (born April 26, 1956), is an American film actress and photographer. ["Koo Stark's Photography" [http://www.fashion-planet.com/sept98/features/koostark/home.html] . Retrieved 7 October 2007] She is perhaps best known for her relationship with Prince Andrew, son of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, before his marriage to Sarah, Duchess of York.

Early life

The daughter of the film producer Wilbur Stark and New York television presenter Cathi Norris, she was educated privately in Manhattan at Miss Hewitt's School for Young Ladies. She moved to London aged 16.

Film and television acting

Her best known and most controversial performance was the lead role in the 1976 erotic film "Emily", which includes a scene in a shower with Stark and another woman. The film's soundtrack included a title song written for the film by Rod McKuen, and was a late-night staple of early pay-cable channels such as HBO. She also played the part of Camie (sometimes spelled as “Cammie”) in the 1977 film "". She appeared in just two scenes, both of which were eventually cut in editing. The role of Rost in the "Doctor Who" serial "Attack of the Cybermen" was meant for her but she allegedly had a disagreement with the production team over her fee and was replaced by Sarah Berger.

She appeared in a 1989 episode of the cult sci-fi tv show "Red Dwarf". In an alternate universe, Dave Lister is hugely successful, including being married to a gorgeous, titled wife, played by Stark.

Personal life

After parting from Prince Andrew following his return from the Falklands War, she was married for some years to Tim Jefferies, sometime associated with the model Claudia Schiffer. She has one daughter, Tatiana (born March 12, 1997) by another relationship. ["Koo Stark's Photography" "Op.cit."] ["Koo's praise for her daughter's father" "The Independent" (London), Aug 18, 1998. [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19980818/ai_n14180192] . Retrieved 7 October 2007.] Stark lives in London and has been a practicing Buddhist since 1994.

It was being reported by mainstream UK press in late September 2008 that she had been evicted from her home, was on the verge of bankruptcy, and living in a West London hotel by the good graces of the hotel management until her financial situation could be resolved. [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1063304/Homeless-Koo-Stark-moves-hotel-runs-6-000-afford-pay.html]

Health

In 2002 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in an emergency mastectomy and a course of chemotherapy. In 2003, she underwent her second mastectomy. Due to her experience with cancer she has founded a cancer awareness agency, Keep Abreast.

Cultural influence

The Montreal-based electro-pop band Koo Starck named themselves after a hybrid of Koo Stark and designer Philippe Starck, as they claimed their inspiration as "industrial design, soft porn, and royal scandal." Another Canadian band, Chixdiggit, has a song titled "Koo Stark" on its 2005 album, "Pink Razors".

External links

*

References