She and actor Phil Peters, who had a recurring role on “The Commish” as police Sgt. William Frawley, married in 1989 and had a daughter, Tianna. She helped start support groups, and encouraged others to do the same. The attack was stopped by a then-water deliveryman, Jeff Fenn, who held the man for police. Her death was first reported by TMZ.
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The actress was one of Hollywood’s hottest starlets at the start of the ’80s, but an acclaimed turn in the hit movie “Raging Bull” also captured the attention of psycho slasher Arthur Richard Jackson.
Saldana famously worked to turn the vicious knife attack on her into a motivation to persevere and succeed, despite any hardships and setbacks.
Tragically, Theresa’s career was nearly put to a savage end when the drifter from Scotland tracked the actress down to her West Hollywood residence.
“If a girl can get through being butchered nearly to death, nearly anything is surmountable”.
Saldana starred in multiple films in the “70s but gained traction when she starred in Robert Zemeckis” 1978 film “I Wanna Hold your Hand”. In 1980 she also appeared in “Defiance” alongside Jan-Michael Vincent and in Brian De Palma’s “Home Movies”.
In a 1992 interview with The Associated Press, Saldana said her recovery was long in coming but complete. The movie is ranked in the top five Greatest American Films of All Time by the American Film Institute. She then appeared in “Raging Bull” as the wife of Joey LaMotta, played by Joe Pesci. From 1991-1996, Saldana played Rachel Scali on “The Commish”, a role which earned her a Golden Globe nomination for best actress in a supporting role. “Hooker”, “Cagney & Lacey”, “Simon & Simon”, “Matlock”, “Hunter,” “Falcon Crest” and “MacGyver“.
Chiklis shared his condolences Tuesday on Twitter, writing that it was “painful to hear the news of Theresa’s passing”.
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The boxing gloves and shorts used in the film “Raging Bull” (1980) are on display at the Martin Scorsese exhibition at the Deutsche Kinemathek, Museum for Film and Television in Berlin, Germany on January 9, 2013.
