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The Untold Story Of Mrs. Parker: 5 Shocking Facts About Kathleen Bradley, Star Of The Cult Classic 'Friday'

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In the landscape of 1990s cinema, few characters are as instantly recognizable and endlessly quoted as the seductive, next-door neighbor, Mrs. Parker, from the 1995 cult classic *Friday*. This unforgettable role, which launched a thousand memes and became a cornerstone of hip-hop film history, was brought to life by the talented and trailblazing actress, model, and author, Kathleen Bradley. As of December 22, 2025, Bradley continues to captivate audiences, not just by revisiting her iconic character, but by sharing her powerful, unfiltered life story that extends far beyond the streets of South Central Los Angeles. The actress who played the sultry Mrs. Parker in *Friday* is Kathleen Bradley. While the film immortalized her as a provocative figure, her career is defined by breaking barriers, navigating a major television scandal, and becoming a celebrated author. From her groundbreaking work on daytime television to her current role as an inspirational speaker, Bradley’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience in Hollywood.

Kathleen Bradley: Full Biography and Profile

Kathleen JoAnn Bradley is an American actress, former model, host, and author whose career spans several decades, marked by both high-profile successes and public controversy. She is a true Hollywood veteran and trailblazer who made history long before her famous film role.

  • Full Name: Kathleen JoAnn Bradley
  • Date of Birth: January 10, 1951
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 74 years old
  • Place of Birth: Girard, Ohio, U.S.
  • Spouse: Terrance Redd (Current Husband)
  • Children: Terrance Jr. (Son)
  • Groundbreaking Role: First African-American "Barker's Beauty" on the iconic CBS daytime game show, The Price Is Right (1990–2000).
  • Iconic Film Role: Mrs. Parker in Friday (1995).
  • Author of: Backstage at The Price Is Right: Memoirs Of A Barker Beauty (a tell-all book about her time on the show).
  • Current Status: Inspirational speaker, author, and advocate.

The Story Behind Mrs. Parker: Hand-Picked by Ice Cube

The role of Mrs. Parker, the attractive, mature neighbor who flirts with Craig (played by Ice Cube) and is the subject of gossip from the neighborhood women, is one of the most memorable elements of the *Friday* movie. The character is a prime example of the film’s unique blend of humor and street realism, and the casting was anything but typical.

A Personal Selection by the Star: Kathleen Bradley was reportedly hand-picked for the role of the seductive neighbor by none other than the film’s co-writer and star, Ice Cube. This personal selection speaks volumes about the distinct presence and energy Bradley brought to the screen. Cube saw in her the perfect blend of charisma and maturity needed for the "sultry siren neighbor" that would become an instant cult classic entity.

The Character’s Lasting Legacy: Despite having limited screen time, Mrs. Parker’s impact on pop culture is immense. The character is a vital piece of the *Friday* universe, often referenced in discussions about the film's funniest moments and its ensemble cast of memorable personalities, including Smokey, Deebo, and Craig's parents. The role cemented Bradley’s place in 90s cinema, giving her a breakthrough film success that continues to resonate with audiences today.

The character is defined by her confident demeanor and her revealing outfits, which were constantly criticized by Mrs. Jones, Craig's mother. This dynamic created some of the movie's most hilarious and quotable lines, solidifying Mrs. Parker as a pop culture entity and a key LSI keyword for the film's topical authority.

From Barker's Beauty to Hollywood Scandal: The Price Is Right Controversy

While many know Kathleen Bradley as Mrs. Parker, her most consistent and groundbreaking role was on television. From 1990 to 2000, she was one of the celebrated "Barker's Beauties" on the long-running game show, *The Price Is Right*. Her tenure was historic, as she was the first African-American model to join the ranks of the Beauties, breaking racial barriers in daytime television.

The Contentious Exit: Bradley's time on the show ended in controversy. Along with other models, she was caught up in a series of highly publicized lawsuits against the show's host, Bob Barker, involving allegations of sexual harassment and wrongful termination.

The Tell-All Memoir: Bradley and fellow model Janice Pennington were ultimately fired after testifying in support of another model, Holly Hallstrom, who had filed a wrongful termination suit. This tumultuous period of her career became the central topic of her revealing book, *Backstage at The Price Is Right: Memoirs Of A Barker Beauty*.

The book details the chaos, the chemistry, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the show, offering a unique perspective on the famous television scandal. This memoir is a crucial piece of her legacy, validating her journey from a groundbreaking model to an outspoken author and advocate.

Kathleen Bradley’s Current Projects and Inspiring Advocacy in 2025

Today, Kathleen Bradley is far more than an actress from a cult classic film or a former model from a famous game show. At 74, she has transitioned into a new phase of her career, focusing on writing, speaking, and advocacy.

An Active Author and Speaker: Bradley continues to promote her memoir, which offers valuable insights into the inner workings of Hollywood and the challenges faced by women in the industry. Her narrative is often featured in interviews and discussions about her career longevity and cultural impact.

Advocacy and Inspirational Work: Her public appearances frequently touch upon themes of recovery and resilience. She has become an inspirational speaker, sharing her journey of "From Fame to Recovery and Advocacy," using her platform to discuss personal struggles and triumphs. Her willingness to be vulnerable about her life's highs and lows provides a powerful message to her audience, showcasing her commitment to helping others.

Key Takeaway: Kathleen Bradley's career is a testament to versatility. She successfully navigated the worlds of modeling, acting, and publishing. From her early beginnings as Miss Black California, to her pioneering work as a Barker's Beauty, and finally her unforgettable turn as Mrs. Parker in the *Friday* movie, Bradley’s legacy is one of a true trailblazer who continues to turn heads and inspire with her honesty and strength.

The Untold Story of Mrs. Parker: 5 Shocking Facts About Kathleen Bradley, Star of the Cult Classic 'Friday'
who played mrs parker in friday
who played mrs parker in friday

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