JUDY NORTON

As a diverse performer, Judy’s talents have taken her from stage to screen, from drama to comedy to musical theatre to the recording studio. She has worked in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes as a writer and director. As a singer, her performances range from North America to Europe, Iceland to Malaysia.

ACTRESS

Judy began acting on stage and television from the age of 6. After early work on such TV shows as OZZIE & HARRIET, THE TAMMY GRIMES SHOW and FELONY SQUAD, she landed the role of Mary Ellen in the TV movie THE HOMECOMING.

This highly successful Christmas special served as the pilot for THE WALTONS TV series and launched Judy to international fame for her role as Mary Ellen. The Waltons, ran for 9 years, garnering numerous Emmy, Golden Globe and People’s Choice awards.

The Walton TV movie reunions included: A WALTON THANKSGIVING, A WALTON WEDDING and A WALTON EASTER,

Other film / TV credits include appearances on MILLENNIUM, THE INSPECTORS, SO WEIRD, YOU, ME & THE KIDS, STARGATE – SG1, MENTORS, COLD SQUAD, HIGHER GROUND, HOLLYWOOD OFFRAMP, ED, CHRISTY – RETURN TO CUTTER GAP the feature films TWIST OF FAITH and HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH SLAYERS, and the mini-series LOST DAUGHTER.

She also appeared in a recurring role on the series, BEGGARS & CHOOSERS, and the TV movie OFF SEASON and as part of the new TV series BLUFF.

As a co-producer, writer, and director of DISORGANIZED ZONE, she also starred in this series, now available on DVD and various streaming platforms.

You can see Judy in the feature films SPARROWS – NESTING and BROKEN and the psychological thriller, NOWHERE TO HIDE (formerly titled INCLUSION CRITERIA) available for streaming on Tubi TV and amazon prime.

Upcoming film releases include FINDING HARMONY, ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE, MOTORVATION and OUT OF THE FIGHT.

Currently Judy is starring in the webseries THE QUARANTINE BUNCH available on YouTube and shot via Zoom during the Coronavirus shut down.

Judy is also a veteran of the stage. Having made her first appearance on the “boards” at the age of 7; she has starred in numerous productions including: HELLO DOLLY, BLOOD BROTHERS, LOVE LETTERS, SOUND OF MUSIC, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, SOCIAL SECURITY, RANCHERS & RUSTLERS, WEEKEND COMEDY, PERFECT PITCH, SPRING AT MARINO and MOVE OVER MRS. MARKHAM.

DIRECTING / WRITING

In addition to her extensive work as a performer, Judy has added writing and directing to her resume.  Along with her recurring acting role as Sophia Wyndom in the TV series BLUFF, Judy came on board  as a Director and Head Writer for Season One.  Along with Disorganized Zone creator Cyndi Seidler, Judy co-porudced as well as writing and directing multiple episodes.  Three of her film scripts have been produced – the upcoming FINDING HARMONY, ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE and INCLUSION CRITERIA (now available)

For many years Judy served as a  member of the artistic team of Texas Family Musicals where she regularly guested as a writer, director and performer.  In 2014 Judy wrote the original two character show MOMENTS REMEMBERED which premiered at the Palace Theatre starring Judy and Don Most (of Happy Days fame)

Judy spent 8 years as the co-artistic director for 2 theatres in Canada – CELEBRATIONS in Winnipeg and JUBILATIONS in Edmonton. During this time she collaborated as a writer / director on more than 40 shows. These shows have also been produced in various theatres across Western Canada.

In 2009, Judy directed the highly successful Musical Theatre of LA/Canary Productions revival of the hit musical CABARET to rave reviews and a top ten on BroadwayWorld.com’s  favorite shows of the year.

Other theatre writing/directing credits include: ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, HELLO DOLLY, CHORUS LINE, ALL SHOOK UP, SWINGING WITH THE STARS, MAJESTY OF THE SILVER SCREEN, GET ME JOHN DENVER, A TRIBUTE TO PATSY CLINE, CLOSING NIGHT, DARE TO DREAM, ATARIA and  THE SUNSHINE BOYS starring Johnny Crawford.  Additionally, she has directed the short films – BLINK OF AN EYE, END OF SUMMER, TOM’S MIDNIGHT GARDEN, LOVE FARCE, THE SHAMAN, ORANGE and WE 3.   Currently Judy is prepping a film she will be directing.  (currently on hold due to the coronavirus)  She is also writing the book for a musical based on the life of Olympic Gold Medalist in diving, Greg Louganis.

SINGING

Singing has been a passion of Judy’s since she first stepped in front of an audience at the age of 6. Since then her musical career has expanded to include musical theatre, concert performances, USO tours and even the occasional foray into the recording studio.

In 1999, Judy joined the rest of the Walton cast in recording “A Walton Christmas” Together Again. This CD included the original song “That’s What Christmas Means To Me” which featured the Walton sisters and was nominated for Best Bluegrass Song at the DOVE awards. Judy followed up this CD with a  CD of her own REFLECTIONS – featuring a collection of standards and Broadway songs. (see store for information on purchasing)

ATHLETICS

A talented athlete Judy’s sporting activities range from earning  two skydiving world records to competitive horse jumping.

She skis,  plays tennis, and has trained in flying trapeze, wing walking and roller derby. Competing three times on BATTLE OF THE NETWORK STARS. Judy’s athletic ability caught the eye of legendary sportscaster Howard Cosell who dubbed her one the the “best (female) celebrity athletes” the show had seen. This led to appearances on CELEBRITY CHALLENGE OF THE SEXES and two editions of CIRCUS OF THE STARS.