Ella Reid
Career
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Full Biography
Ella Reid was an American actress who earned a distinct place in cult cinema during the 1970s. Born Ella Mae Reid on January 15, 1944, in South Carolina, she possessed a screen presence that combined toughness with charisma. She is most widely recognized for her breakout role in the 1974 women-in-prison classic Caged Heat, which marked the directorial debut of Jonathan Demme. In the film, Reid portrayed Pandora, a fierce and defiant inmate who becomes a central figure in the prisoners' revolt against a corrupt system.
Her performance in Caged Heat remains a significant contribution to the "Blaxploitation" and "Women in Prison" genres of that era, showcasing her ability to hold the screen alongside established stars like Barbara Steele. Beyond her most famous role, Reid's career was emblematic of the independent and gritty filmmaking style of the mid-70s. Following her time in the film industry, she lived a private life until her passing on August 7, 1999, in Lancaster, South Carolina, at the age of 55. She is remembered by fans of cult cinema for her bold characterizations and her role in a film that redefined the tropes of its genre.
