Actress Betty Sturm, best known for her role in the 1962 film “The World’s Greatest Sinner,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 89 due to Alzheimer’s disease. The film, which was written, directed, produced, and starred by Timothy Carey, tells the story of an insurance salesman who transforms himself into a dictatorial cult leader, known as God Hilliard. The film, which was scored by Frank Zappa and is a favorite of Martin Scorsese, is not widely known but has gained a cult following over the years.
Betty was interviewed for the 2012 documentary “Making Sinner” by Romeo Carey, Timothy Carey’s son. In the documentary, she shared that due to the long shooting schedule of the film, and a financial dispute, she was unable to return for one last scene, so an extra stepped in for her to play the saxophone.
Born in Spain and raised in Germany, Betty moved to Los Angeles in the late 1950s and lived at the Hollywood Studio Club dormitory, a residence for actresses that was started by Mary Pickford. Actresses Kim Novak, Jo Anne Worley, and Pat Priest also lived there at the time. According to her son, Betty went on a double date with Elvis Presley to see Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” in 1960, but the couple left during the shower scene because Presley couldn’t stand the sight of onscreen blood.
In the early 1970s, Betty worked at Disneyland, where she sold custom wigs and hairpieces for park characters, including those on the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride, and for actors appearing in Disney films. She later ran the Elizabeth Sturm Talent Agency, booking actors for commercials, films, and television starting in the 1990s.
Betty was married to Robert Winckler, a prolific child actor turned entertainment attorney, who appeared in Little Rascals/Our Gang comedies and films including “Pride of the Yankees,” from 1962 until his death in 1989. In addition to her son, a producer, director, and novelist, survivors include her daughter, Patricia, son-in-law Jim, and grandchildren Michelle and Robert.
Betty Sturm’s legacy will be remembered as an actress who played a significant role in the cult film “The World’s Greatest Sinner” and for her contribution to the entertainment industry as a wig seller, talent agency owner, and her involvement in various Hollywood projects. Her passing is a loss to the entertainment industry and her family and friends.
