Lisa Pelikan is a talented American actress known for her work on stage, television, and film. Born on July 12, 1954, in Berkeley, California, Lisa’s journey in the arts has been impressive and inspiring. She started young with a passion for ballet but moved to acting due to health challenges. Today, she continues to influence both the screen and the classroom.
Guess what? Lisa’s story is filled with dedication, resilience, and thrilling roles that kept audiences captivated for decades. From Broadway stages to horror films like Jennifer (1978), she’s shown her range and depth. Let’s dive in and explore the life and career of this remarkable actress.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need about Lisa Pelikan bio, her education, career milestones, physical presence, personal life, achievements, and some fascinating facts. Whether you’re a fan or new to her work, you’ll appreciate knowing how she’s impacted the acting world.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lisa R. Pelikan |
| Real Name | Lisa Pelikan |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Berkeley, California, USA |
| Family Background | Mother: Helen L. (psychologist), Father: Robert G. Pelikan (international economist) |
| Ethnicity | Czech descent |
| Education | Juilliard School (Drama, full scholarship), MFA in Acting (California State University, Long Beach, 2018) |
| Early Career | TV soap opera Beacon Hill (1975), Broadway debut in Romeo and Juliet (1977) |
| Breakthrough Role | Title role in horror film Jennifer (1978) |
| Peak Years | Films Ghoulies (1985), Return to the Blue Lagoon (1991), plus ongoing TV and stage |
| Age (2025) | 71 years |
| Height | Approx. 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 130 lbs |
| Notable Awards | Drama-Logue Award for Only a Broken String of Pearls (1995), EstroGenius Best Actor Award (2014) |
| Notable Works | Julia (1977), Jennifer (1978), Ghoulies (1985), Return to the Blue Lagoon (1991) |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Not publicly known |
| Relationships | Married Robert Harper (1981-1984), Bruce Davison (1986-2006), married Ilya Davydov (2025) |
| Children | Son named Ethan (born 1996) |
| Hobbies | Rock climbing, sailing, swimming, yoga, horseback riding |
| Current Occupation | Actress and acting teacher at HB Studio, New York |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Education
Full Name
Lisa R. Pelikan
Real Name
Lisa Pelikan
Date of Birth
Born on July 12, 1954.
Childhood
Lisa spent much of her childhood moving between countries like France, Japan, and Italy, following her father’s diplomatic career. At age six, she faced a serious health challenge—a bone tumor in her leg that required surgery. Despite setbacks, including losing the ability to walk during her senior year of high school, she remained determined.
Family Background
Her mother, Helen L., was a psychologist, and her father, Robert G. Pelikan, was an international economist and U.S. minister-counselor at the OECD in Paris. She comes from Czech heritage, which adds a rich cultural layer to her life story.
School/University
Lisa won a full scholarship to study drama at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. This was a turning point, as she shifted her focus from ballet to acting.
Career Journey
Before Fame
Early on, Lisa worked in television as Kate Mahaffey on the CBS soap opera Beacon Hill (1975). She also performed in TV movies and series episodes, building her resume step by step.
Early Career
Her Broadway debut came in 1977 in Romeo and Juliet, playing Rosaline. The same year, she appeared in the film Julia as the younger version of Vanessa Redgrave’s character, setting the stage for future roles.
Breakthrough
Lisa’s lead role in the horror cult classic Jennifer (1978) put her on the radar. The film allowed her to showcase her talent in the thriller genre, gaining a dedicated fan base.
Peak Years
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Pelikan starred in movies like Ghoulies (1985) and Return to the Blue Lagoon (1991). She kept balancing roles in films and TV, including the miniseries Studs Lonigan (1979).
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Physical Appearance
Age
Lisa Pelikan is 71 years old as of 2025.
Height
She stands about 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
Weight
Her weight is estimated to be around 130 pounds.
Body Measurement
Details of her exact body measurements are private but she is known for a fit and athletic build.
Physical Attributes
Lisa enjoys rock climbing, swimming, sailing, yoga, and horseback riding. In fact, she often performed her own stunts in films, showing both courage and strength.
Major Achievements
Awards
Lisa won the Drama-Logue Award for her performance in the one-woman play Only a Broken String of Pearls (1995). She also earned the EstroGenius Best Actor Award in 2014 in New York for her role in MR. TOOLE.
Records
Though no specific records, Lisa’s versatility from drama to horror sets her apart in acting versatility.
Notable Works
- Julia (1977)
- Jennifer (1978)
- Ghoulies (1985)
- Return to the Blue Lagoon (1991)
- TV series Beacon Hill (1975)
Contributions
Beyond acting, Lisa shares her expertise teaching Acting with the Camera at HB Studio, NYC, helping nurture future talent.
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Personal Life
Nationality
American
Ethnicity
Czech descent
Religion
Private; no public data available.
Relationships
She was married to Robert Harper (1981–1984), then to Bruce Davison (1986–2006) with whom she has a son, Ethan. Recently, she married Russian streamer Ilya Davydov in 2025.
Net Worth
Her net worth is not publicly disclosed but she has had a sustained career in acting and teaching.
Hobbies
Lisa enjoys adventurous activities like rock climbing, sailing, yoga, horseback riding, and swimming.
Social Media Presence
Lisa keeps a low profile on social media, focusing more on her craft and teaching.
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Interesting Facts
- Lisa moved between several countries in her childhood due to her father’s diplomatic career.
- She survived a bone tumor twice—once as a child and again during high school.
- Lisa initially wanted to be a ballet dancer before fully embracing acting.
- She performed most of her own stunts in several films.
- Later in life, she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting (2018).
- Her one-woman play about Zelda Fitzgerald won critical acclaim.
- She balances a career in film with teaching acting in New York.
Legacy or Influence
Lisa Pelikan’s story is about resilience and passion. She inspires with her strength in overcoming health hurdles and her versatility in acting across genres. By teaching, she passes on knowledge, shaping many young performers. Her roles in cult classics and stage productions maintain a loyal fan following and offer timeless performances.
FAQs
Who is Lisa Pelikan?
Lisa Pelikan is an American actress known for film, TV, and stage roles since the 1970s.
What is Lisa Pelikan famous for?
She is famous for starring in the horror film Jennifer (1978) and for her Broadway performances.
How old is Lisa Pelikan?
She is 71 years old as of 2025.
Where did Lisa Pelikan study acting?
She attended the Juilliard School on a full scholarship.
Is Lisa Pelikan still active?
Yes, she acts and teaches acting at HB Studio in New York City.
Conclusion
Lisa Pelikan bio tells a story of talent, endurance, and passion for the arts. From overcoming health struggles to performing on Broadway and screen, she’s left a rich legacy in acting. Known for iconic roles and strong stage presence, her career spans decades of memorable performances. Today, Lisa continues to shape the industry through teaching and inspiring new actors. If you enjoyed this deep dive, share your thoughts below, subscribe for more great bios, or check our other posts on iconic actors.
Read more about Lisa Pelikan on IMDb Profile
