Laurette Spang

The sunny, blonde Laurette Spang was never a major star on television in the 1970s. But for many impressionable young fans of the original "Battlestar Galactica" science fiction series, she was certainly memorable. After studying acting in New York at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Spang journeyed to Los Angeles to try and make it in the acting business. She was subsequently spotted by a talent scout working for Universal Pictures and signed a contract with them.

Spang landed roles on a number of television shows and movies, including "Alias Smith and Jones," "Adam-12," "The Streets of San Francisco" and "Charlie's Angels." Spang also appeared on the hit show "Happy Days" a number of times playing different characters. But it was her role in the 1978 television movie "Battlestar Galactica" as the socialator, i.e. prostitute, Cassiopeia that Spang is best known for. She would be a regular on the television series as well, although her character's profession would be changed to a medic. Spang also appeared on episodes of "Three's Company," "The Love Boat," "Fantasy Island," and "Magnum, P.I." among many other sitcoms and action-adventure series.