Janet Carroll, Tom Cruise’s Mom in ‘Risky Business,’ Dies at 71

Actress Janet Carroll, whose first film role was playing Tom Cruise’s mother in the 1983 cult classic Risky Business, died May 22 in New York after a long illness. She was 71.

Born in Chicago in 1940, Carroll began classical voice training at age 12. In the late 60s, the budding star kicked off her stage career with roles in such productions as Little Women the musical, Gypsy, Hello Dolly!, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music.

CBS Los Angeles reports that following her Risky Business role, Carroll went on to star on TV shows “The Bronx Zoo,” “Married With Children,” “Melrose Place” and to play Jim Dial’s wife Doris on “Murphy Brown.”

She also guest starred in shows such as Cagney and Lacey, Hill Street Blues, The Golden Girls, 3rd Rock From the Sun, Beverly Hills 90210 and Ally McBeal.

Some of Carroll’s most recent contributions to the screen include the comedy film What Happens Next and guest appearances on Brothers and Sisters, Scrubs and Law & Order: SVU.

Her final film, College Debts, is set for release in 2013.

Aside from her TV, film, and stage roles, Carroll served as artistic director of the jazz series at the Simi Valley Cultural Center in Southern California for many years and performed on tour with the Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band.

According her personal website, she was also an ordained minister who performed all related duties including weddings, dedications, memorials and spiritual counseling, healing, Reiki, energy movement and related spiritual functions.

A memorial service for the actress will be held Saturday, May 26 in New York City.

Janet Carroll is survived by her son, George Brown and daughter in law Lauren.