Angela Cartwright

Angela Cartwright. An English-born American actress and artist, she is best known for her prominent roles in two iconic works of 1960s popular culture. She portrayed Brigitta von Trapp in the landmark Academy Award-winning film *The Sound of Music* and played Penny Robinson in the beloved science fiction television series Lost in Space. Her career began as a child actress in the late 1950s, and she later transitioned into photography, authorship, and entrepreneurship.

Early life and career

Born in Cheshire, her family relocated to the United States when she was an infant, settling in Los Angeles. Her older sister, actress Veronica Cartwright, had already begun working in Hollywood, which facilitated her own entry into the industry. Her early television appearances included roles on series such as Make Room for Daddy and The Danny Thomas Show. She secured a recurring role as Linda Williams on Make Room for Daddy, which established her as a familiar young performer on American television. During this period, she also guest-starred on popular programs like The Lucy Show and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, often alongside her sister.

The Sound of Music and Lost in Space

Her career-defining role came in 1965 when she was cast as Brigitta von Trapp, the bookish middle daughter, in Robert Wise's cinematic adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical *The Sound of Music*. Filmed on location in Salzburg, the movie became a global phenomenon, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Immediately following this success, she was cast as Penny Robinson, the adventurous daughter, in the CBS science fiction series Lost in Space. Created by Irwin Allen, the show featured a family stranded in deep space with a cunning stowaway, Doctor Smith, played by Jonathan Harris. The series, which also starred Guy Williams and June Lockhart, developed a lasting cult following and cemented her status as a icon of 1960s television.

Later acting and other ventures

Following the conclusion of Lost in Space in 1968, her on-screen appearances became more selective. She made guest appearances on series such as The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and CHiPs. She shifted her primary creative focus to visual arts, establishing herself as a respected photographer and mixed-media artist. She has authored several books on photography and craft, including *Styling for Photographers* and *In This House*. Along with fellow Lost in Space cast member Marta Kristen, she launched a successful line of themed merchandise and apparel. She remains a frequent guest at fan conventions such as San Diego Comic-Con, celebrating the enduring legacy of her classic television work.

Personal life

She married photographer and writer Steve Gullion in 1984, and they have two children. The family resides in Studio City, Los Angeles. She maintains a close relationship with her sister, Veronica Cartwright, and often collaborates with former castmates from Lost in Space and *The Sound of Music* at reunion events. An accomplished painter, her artwork has been exhibited in galleries and is often inspired by her photography. She is also an active supporter of various charitable organizations.

Filmography

A selective list of her notable screen credits includes: * 1958–1964 – Make Room for Daddy (TV Series) as Linda Williams * 1965 – The Sound of Music as Brigitta von Trapp * 1965–1968 – Lost in Space (TV Series) as Penny Robinson * 1978 – The Love Boat (TV Series, episode "A Tasteful Affair") * 1981 – CHiPs (TV Series, episode "The Spaceman Made Me Do It")

Category:American child actresses Category:American television actresses Category:English emigrants to the United States Category:Lost in Space