Elizabeth Kemp

Elizabeth Kemp was a performer and acting instructor best known for her work as a teacher at the Actors Studio, where she instructed Harvey Keitel, Sigrid Thornton and Stacie Greenwell, and later coached Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga for their roles in an adaptation of A Star Is Born.

Kemp also notably appeared in Tom Hanks’ first film, the 1980 horror thriller He Knows You’re Alone, as well as the French film Welcome to New York, starring Gérard Depardieu and Jacqueline Bisset.

Additionally, she had parts on the CBS soap opera Love of Life, opposite Christopher Reeve, and roles on the television series thirtysomething, L.A. Law, Police Rescue and Law & Order.

Mentored by Elia Kazan, Kemp was one of the youngest members to be admitted to the Actors Studio when she became a life member in 1975. She joined the faculty at the Actors Studio Drama School in 1995, its inaugural year, and went on to serve as chair of the master's program at New York City's Pace University.

She also appeared in theater, including the Actors Studio production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Tennessee Williams' Tiger Tail and a Broadway production of Once in a Lifetime.

Kemp died September 1, 2017, in Venice, California. She was 65.