User:Kwib/Sandahl Bergman
Sandahl Bergman (born November 14, 1951) is an American dancer, actress, and stuntwoman, best known for her groundbreaking performances in the 1980s. Her career spans across Broadway, Hollywood films, and television, with standout roles in fantasy and action genres.
Early Life and Broadway Career
[edit]Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Sandahl Bergman later graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, Kansas. She then moved to New York City to pursue her passion for dance. She found early success in Broadway productions, working closely with famed choreographer Bob Fosse. Bergman appeared in celebrated shows like *Pippin* and *Chicago*, gaining attention for her height, grace, and athleticism, which made her a standout on stage [oai_citation:10,Sandahl Bergman | popgeeks.com](https://popgeeks.com/tag/sandahl-bergman/) [oai_citation:9,Programmed To Kill | popgeeks.com](https://popgeeks.com/tag/programmed-to-kill/).
Film career
[edit]Bergman made her film debut in smaller roles but gained widespread recognition with her appearance as one of the Muses in *Xanadu* (1980). Despite mixed initial reviews, the film later gained a cult following, and Bergman reflected fondly on its innovative blend of musical and fantasy elements. She particularly enjoyed working with Olivia Newton-John and appreciated the film’s challenging choreography [oai_citation:8,Programmed To Kill | popgeeks.com](https://popgeeks.com/tag/programmed-to-kill/).
Her most iconic role came in 1982 when she was cast as Valeria in *Conan the Barbarian*, alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. The physically demanding role required extensive stunt work, all of which Bergman performed herself, utilizing her dance training. Her portrayal of Valeria, a fierce and skilled warrior, earned her critical acclaim and the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year. This role solidified her place as one of the few prominent female action stars of the 1980s [oai_citation:7,Sandahl Bergman | popgeeks.com](https://popgeeks.com/tag/sandahl-bergman/) [oai_citation:6,Programmed To Kill | popgeeks.com](https://popgeeks.com/tag/programmed-to-kill/).
Later career
[edit]Following *Conan the Barbarian*, Bergman opted not to reprise her role in *Conan the Destroyer* to avoid being typecast. Instead, she took on other roles in action and fantasy films, including *Red Sonja* (1985), where she portrayed the villainous Queen Gedren. Though *Red Sonja* was not a commercial success, Bergman continued to build her career with roles in films like *She* (1984) and *Hell Comes to Frogtown* (1987) [oai_citation:5,Sandahl Bergman | popgeeks.com](https://popgeeks.com/tag/sandahl-bergman/) [oai_citation:4,Programmed To Kill | popgeeks.com](https://popgeeks.com/tag/programmed-to-kill/).
As her career progressed, Bergman shifted into choreography and stunt work, using her physicality to choreograph and perform in action sequences. Her background in dance allowed her to approach these roles with precision and discipline, making her a valuable asset in both stunt and acting roles.
In later interviews, Bergman expressed gratitude for her diverse career and the lasting impact of her roles, particularly in *Conan the Barbarian* and *Xanadu*. She fondly recalls her experiences on Broadway and in Hollywood, appreciating the fanbase that has grown around her work. While her film appearances became less frequent in the 1990s, Bergman remains a respected figure in the industry, known for breaking barriers as a strong, physically skilled female lead in action films [oai_citation:3,Programmed To Kill | popgeeks.com](https://popgeeks.com/tag/programmed-to-kill/).
[oai_citation:2,Sandahl Bergman | popgeeks.com](https://popgeeks.com/tag/sandahl-bergman/) [oai_citation:1,Programmed To Kill | popgeeks.com](https://popgeeks.com/tag/programmed-to-kill/).