Fans in Los Angeles were treated to a delightful surprise this week when one of the most prolific actresses of the 1980s and 1990s, Pamela Reed, made a rare public appearance. The beloved star, now 76, looked remarkably youthful as she went about her errands, showcasing a chic, off-duty style.
A Career of Iconic Roles
Bundled up in a sharp grey jacket and black leggings, the actress appeared a world away from the many eccentric characters she has portrayed. Audiences will fondly remember her for having them in stitches opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1990 comedy classic Kindergarten Cop. Her role as Detective Phoebe O'Hara remains a fan favourite to this day.
Her filmography is a journey through cinematic history. She appeared in the prehistoric drama The Clan of the Cave Bear (1985) alongside Daryl Hannah and later traded barbs with Robin Williams in 1990's Cadillac Man. More recently, she won over a new generation by playing Amy Poehler’s mother on the hit series Parks and Recreation.
Remembering Kindergarten Cop
Back in 2020, Reed reminisced about her time on Kindergarten Cop, a role for which she is still frequently approached. She told Today that fans greet her with "utter joy" and a sense of camaraderie, often quoting the famous line: "You’re not so tough without your car, are you?"
One of her favourite scenes involves Schwarzenegger's character, John Kimble, finding her character in bed eating pasta cooked by her visiting fiancé. Reed revealed that channelling her character's hearty appetite "wasn't hard." She admitted, "I didn't have to act that part of the role."
Working With Arnold
She also shared a hilarious anecdote about one of the film's most memorable moments, where her character poses as Kimble's sister and mimics his Austrian accent. Reed practised the accent by listening closely to Schwarzenegger himself, but didn't let him hear her attempt until they were on set. "When we actually went to shoot it, he was laughing so much, we had to do a billion takes," she recalled.
Reed had nothing but praise for her co-star, describing Schwarzenegger as "wonderful" and "generous to a fault." She said he was willing to try anything and was a delight to work with.
After earning her B.F.A. at the University of Washington, Reed carved out an impressive career across both television and film. Her credits include HBO’s Tanner '88, for which she won a CableAce Award, and films like The Long Riders, Junior, and Proof of Life. Off-screen, she found love with director Sandy Smolan. The couple married in 1988 and adopted two children, Reed and Lily.
