Actress Betty Sturm, best known for her role in the 1962 cult film “The World’s Greatest Sinner,” passed away at the age of 89. Her son, William Winckler, confirmed that she died on Sunday of Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by family in her New Jersey home. The film, which starred character actor Timothy Carey, who also wrote, directed, and produced it, and featured a soundtrack by Frank Zappa, is considered a cult classic and has rarely been seen in theaters.
Despite having little interest in acting, Sturm found herself in showbusiness in the late 1950s when she moved to Hollywood. She lived at the Hollywood Studio Club, a private dorm for young actresses started by screen legend Mary Pickford. During her time there, Sturm befriended Jo Anne Worley of “Laugh-In” fame, as well as Pat Priest from “The Munsters” and Kim Novak.
Sturm played a lover/follower of Clarence Hilliard, an insurance salesman who transforms himself into dictatorial God Hilliard. Despite being initially excited about her role in the film, the year-long shooting schedule and a financial dispute with the production team led her to not return to complete a final scene. A non-speaking extra stepped in for her to play the saxophone for a musical number.
Sturm, who was raised in Spain and Germany, came to Hollywood in the late 1950s. According to Sturm, she went on a double date with Elvis Presley. The couples went to see the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock film “Psycho” at a drive-in movie theater. She claimed that they all left during the famous shower killing scene because the singer “couldn’t stand the sight of onscreen blood.” She remembered the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” as “a wonderful, perfect gentleman.”
In 1962, Sturm said “I do” to former child star-turned-entertainment attorney Robert Winckler. He previously appeared in the “Little Rascals/Our Gang” comedies from 1936 until 1938.
In the early ‘70s, Sturm stayed busy in show business by selling custom wigs and hairpieces for park characters at Disneyland, as well as actors and actresses appearing in films at Disney Studios. She went on to supply wigs for some of the animatronic pirates in “The Pirates of the Caribbean” ride and sold custom hairpieces to stars such as Dusty Springfield and Sally Field. Then in the ‘90s, Sturm embarked on a new career path. She ran the Elizabeth Sturm Talent Agency, where she booked actors for various commercials, films, and TV shows, including “Married with Children.” The agency ran for several years until Sturm’s retirement.
Sturm and Winckler were together until his death in 1989. She never remarried. In addition to her son, a producer, director and novelist, she is survived by her daughter Patricia Tousignant, son-in-law Jim Tousignant, and grandchildren Michelle and Robert Tousignant.
Betty Sturm’s passing marks the end of an era in show business. Her versatility as an actress, wig supplier, and talent agent showcases her commitment to the industry. Her contribution to the film industry and the entertainment industry as a whole will not be forgotten.
