Marlene Hazlett; Retired Actress, Stage Director

Marlene Hazlett, retired actress and stage director whose career spanned four decades, has died at her Northridge home. She was 65.

Mrs. Hazlett died Wednesday of cancer, said her husband, Bud Hazlett.

Born Marilyn Kay Strong on Oct. 24, 1926, in New York City, she attended the Professional Children’s School and the Dalton School in her hometown. She began her career singing and dancing with USO camp shows during World War II and also appeared in “Firefly” on the New York stage and in the film “The Snake Pit” (1945) with Olivia de Havilland. After the war, she toured the country directing talent shows and producing musicals with local actors. After graduating from Bethany College in Bethany, W. Va., and UCLA, she was married and suspended her career to raise a family.

Mrs. Hazlett returned to the entertainment industry in the mid-1970s, often portraying court reporters. Her television appearances included “Police Woman,” “Rich Man, Poor Man” and “Dynasty.” She also was in “Telefon” (1977), “Big Wednesday” (1978) and “1941” (1979).

Mrs. Hazlett was affiliated with the American Theater Wing and the American Film Institute.

In addition to her husband of 41 years, Mrs. Hazlett is survived by a son, Thomas Hazlett of Washington, D.C.; and daughters Cindy Hazlett of Marina del Rey and Wendy Hazlett of Rancho La Costa, Calif.

Visitation is planned from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Crawford Mortuary, 8717 Tampa Ave., in Northridge, which is handling the arrangements. A funeral, with burial to follow, is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Monday at the Old North Church, Forest Lawn Mortuary, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Hollywood Hills. Donations can be made in Mrs. Hazlett’s name to the Arthritis Foundation or the Professional Children’s School in New York City.