Deanna Lund was born in Florida. A sportsman who rode in rodeos from age 10, Deanna actually first went on stage at the insistence of her father, who thought it might help her get over her shyness. After a series of roles in Hollywood, Deanna took a part in the Frank Sinatra film Tony Rome. Since it was filming in Miami, she planned to stay in Florida after the part finished film, effectively giving up her film career.
However, Irwin Allen had seen the dailies for Tony Rome, and cast Deanna as Valerie Scott without an audition. And since the Tony Rome role called for a redhead, Valerie Scott was a redhead, even though Deanna is actually a blonde. Valerie Ames Scott, spoiled heiress evolved as the show progressed into a strong character, with leadership skills that help the crew of the Spindrift survive.
After the show ended, Deanna appeared, among other projects, two Burt Reynolds films, Jerry Lewis' Hardly Working, guest appearances on various TV series and an Irwin Allen TV film, Hanging By A Thread. She and her then husband, Don Matheson, also starred on daytime's General Hospital during the mid-1970s and she later had a continuing role on One Life To Live.
Deanna has also written Valerie in Giantland, a novel continuing the adventures of Valerie Scott, now in its third printing and available at her convention appearances.
Deanna Postcard:
