She Beat over 600 Actresses for an Iconic Role Despite Her Agent’s Doubts – At 80, She Still Stuns

Her dedication to the craft soon paid off, as she earned accolades, including the People’s Choice Award and the European Bravo Award.

Her big break came when she took on the role of Tara Martin, a conflicted and tragic character on “All My Children,” a groundbreaking daytime drama. The role brought her widespread recognition and financial stability.

Reflecting on her time on the show, she described it as a double-edged sword. “I spent four years on that show and it was very, very big for me. It brought me to national attention, and it paid 51,000 a week,” she revealed.

“When you’re making all that money, you’re in a cozy, warm little head, but my career was going nowhere,” the actress added. Ultimately, she chose to walk away, seeking new challenges to reignite her professional ambitions.

That bold step led her to an audition that would change her life — one that her agent had been reluctant to send her to. She had to fight to even get through the door for the role of Stephanie in 1977’s “Saturday Night Fever.”

Competing against over 600 other hopefuls, she defied her agent’s doubts and secured the part. “Needless to say, he’s not my agent anymore,” she quipped, reflecting on how her persistence paid off.

“I threatened to murder him if he didn’t send me. He’s one of those agents who thinks he’s a star, you know what I mean? He didn’t think I was exactly right for the part, you know? He was setting himself up as a director. In a way, I respect his artistic integrity, but in this case, he was wrong!” she shared.

The film became a cultural phenomenon, launching her into the spotlight as the romantic lead opposite John Travolta. “At first, it was scary,” she admitted about working with Travolta, one of the era’s biggest stars.

“You know how it is when someone’s really good-looking. I’m the biggest John Travolta groupie. But he was just great, with a lot of energy and charisma. And he’s very funny. Best of all, he never loses his temper — [he’s] in complete control all the time,” the actress added.

Her confidence in pursuing the role stemmed from a lifetime of preparation. Growing up on the West Side, she immersed herself in various forms of dance, from ballet and jazz to modern and folk styles.

“Like every little girl, the first thing I wanted to be was a ballerina,” she said. Despite her love for dance, she shifted her focus to music, developing her skills as a guitarist and composer. This early foundation in performance arts helped her excel in “Saturday Night Fever,” where dance played a central role.

Her career didn’t stop with her role in “Saturday Night Fever.” The actress continued to demonstrate her versatility by taking on a wide range of projects, including stage productions of William Shakespeare and Neil Simon.

Her independent film credits included performances alongside notable names such as Harvey Keitel and Sandra Bernhard in “A Crime” and “Searching for Bobby D” in 2006. However, despite her success as an actress, the star maintained a deep passion for music.

“Acting is great; I love it. But I feel I was destined to do music,” she shared, explaining that music provided her with a creative outlet distinct from acting. “I have to do both, you know what I mean? When I just do one, I get frustrated and bored,” she continued.

Over the years, the actress began working on a blues album titled “Street Value” with her band, Karen’s Band, blending her love for performance with her musical talents.

This actress-turned-musician and artist is none other than Karen Lynn Gorney, 80, who, decades after her breakout role, remains a source of inspiration.

Not only has she received attention for her accomplishments, but the star has also been showered in praise for her timeless beauty and grace.

“Looking great!” one social media user commented on one of the actress’s Facebook posts. “Still going strong I see. Good for you!” another person shared. A third wrote, “WOW!!!!” while a fourth shared, “Still looking fantastic!!”

Gorney’s journey is a testament to perseverance, talent, and unwavering confidence. From breaking through industry doubts to leaving an indelible mark on cinema, she remains a true icon. Decades later, her timeless beauty and artistic legacy continue to captivate and inspire.