A few years ago, I posted some info on Scream Queen actress, Juli Reding. Since then, I've come across some updated info and a few more images of her, both before and after her appearance in Bert I Gordon's TORMENTED in 1960.
Here's the update and revision of the text from the previous post in 2020:
Many of the women that we know of as Scream Queens had their start in modeling before they began appearing in the movies; Fay Wray, Elke Sommer, Yvette Vickers and Caroline Munro are just a few examples. Even one-scream wonders initially turned to modeling in order to break into the business.
Juli Reding was one of them. She was born Esther Fay Reding on November 28, 1936 in Quanah, TX. In the 1950's and 60's, she appeared the men's magazines SCAMP, ESCAPADE, FOTO-RAMA, FLING, VAGABOND, VUE and numerous others.
An attractive blonde with a voluptuous figure measuring 40-23-35, Reding was a popular choice for receiving various honorary titles during her time in Hollywood and the greater Los Angeles area, including Miss Hollywood Stars, Ms. Los Angeles Press Club, Ms. Los Angeles Dodger and Ms. U.S. Air Force.
In 1960, Reding co-starred in Bert I. Gordon's TORMENTED. Playing the role of Vi Mason, she falls to her death and comes back to haunt jazz pianist Tom Stewart (Richard Carlson). This was Reding's only horror film, but she made the most of it. A number of stills from the movie showed up in FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND and have become easily recognizable since then.
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| Famous Monsters of Filmland #10, January 1961. |
Juli Reding died on September 16, 2021 in Springfield, Missouri of breast cancer at the age of 85.
This excerpt of her obituary from her hometown newspaper, the Springfield News-Leader, further describes her life and career:
Juli Reding Hutner, of Los Angeles, CA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Springfield, MO, on September 16, 2021.
One of seven children, Juli was born in Quanah, TX, to Roy and Ruth (Wallace) Reding.
Juli "Chick" was raised in Branson, MO, graduated from Branson High School and attended Southwest Missouri State University before moving to Los Angeles, CA, to pursue her passion of acting. Juli had a successful career in Hollywood and, among her honors, was named "Ms. Los Angeles Press Club" of 1960, the "Mermaid of Marineland", "Ms. Los Angeles Dodger", "Ms. Hollywood Stars" for the Christmas Lane Parade, and "Ms. U.S. Air Force". Juli was also signed to a Warner Bros Studios' contract. Her TV credits include guest roles in "Sea Hunt", "Burke's Law", "Dr. Kildaire", "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet", "The Red Skelton Show", "Big Valley" and "Murder She Wrote", among others. Juli also had her own local talk show in Los Angeles called "Here's Juli" which ran on KCOP, Channel 13. Her film career included starring roles in "Tormented", "Mission In Morocco", and she also appeared in the films "Why Must I Die", "Cowboy", "Darby's Rangers", and "The Helen Morgan Story".
In the 1960's Juli met the love of her life, investment banker and philanthropist Herbert L. Hutner, whom she married in 1969. Juli and Herb had a wonderful life together, travelling the world and donating their time to the many causes and charities they supported. Juli was a genuine person who never lost her mid-western warmth and charm. She could truly walk among both princes and paupers, yet would make everyone feel special and loved. Juli wanted to help everyone, befriend everyone, and invite everyone to dinner! She really did liven up the room with her presence and people loved being around her.
Juli was preceded in death by parents Ruth and Roy Reding; her husband Herbert L. Hutner; her former husband Reese H. Taylor, Jr.; her son Aaron Curtis Taylor; and her siblings Virginia Gray, Helen Workman, Billie Beckman, Edward Reding, and Jack Reding. She is survived by her son Christopher D. Taylor (Kyle), and the "apple-of-her-eye", her grandson, Christopher H. Taylor. Juli is also survived by her sister Judy Siebert (Jack); her stepchildren Lynn Colwell (Steve) and Jeffrey J. Hutner (Jamie); and numerous nieces and nephews.
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| Midnight, January 1960. |
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| Scamp, June 1963. |
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| Stare, February 1960. |
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| Stare, October 1961. |
