Fritzi Jane Courtney (February 15, 1923 – August 7, 2012) was an American actress.

Fritzi Jane Courtney
Born
Freda Jassem

(1923-02-15)February 15, 1923
DiedAugust 7, 2012(2012-08-07) (aged 89)
Other namesFreda Cohen
OccupationActress
SpouseRobert 'Bob' Cohen
Children1
Parents
  • Joseph Jassem (father)
  • Rose Jassem (mother)

The only daughter of Joseph and Rose Jassem, she was born in Harlem and was raised in Brooklyn. She graduated from Brooklyn College.[1] While attending drama school, she was employed by a tie company in New York City.[1]

She met her future husband, Robert Cohen at a USO during World War II. In 1946, the couple moved to Maine.[1] They were the parents of one daughter, Jill S. Cohen.[1]

While working for NBC affiliate, Channel 6, Fritzi became the first woman on-air drama critic in New England, reviewing theatrical productions.[1]

She is best known for playing Mrs. Taft, the hotel owner, in three Jaws films. She played Mrs. Taft in Jaws (1975),[2] then reprised her role in two sequels – Jaws 2 (1978) and again in Jaws: The Revenge (1987).[3]

On August 7, 2012, Fritzi died at her residence in Portland, Maine.[1]

Filmography

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  • Route 66 (1963, TV Series) as Librarian (uncredited)
  • Jaws (1975) as Mrs. Taft (uncredited)
  • Jaws 2 (1978) as Mrs. Taft
  • Spraggue (1984, TV Movie) as Judge
  • Jaws: The Revenge (1987) as Mrs. Taft

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Freda Cohen Obituary". Maine Sunday Telegram. August 8, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2021 – via Legacy.com.
  2. ^ Robberson, Joe. "Movies That Surprisingly Pass the Bechdel Test". Zimbio. p. 11. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  3. ^ Jankiewicz, Patrick (2009). Just When You Thought It Was Safe: A Jaws Companion. BearManor Media. p. 197.
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