Louisa Moritz

Louisa Moritz was a Cuban-American actress.

After moving to New York City from Havana, Cuba in the 1950s, she began her acting career with commercials in the 1960s, going on to appear in over 100 commercials on television.

In films, she is perhaps best known for her role as Rose the hooker in the Oscar-winning One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Other memorable film apperances include starring alongside Sylvester Stallone as Myra in Death Race 2000, Chained Heat (with Linda Blair), and Officer Gloria Whitey in Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke.

Moritz’s television appearances include roles on episodes of Love, American Style, Ironside, Happy Days, M*A*S*H, One Day at a Time, Chico and the Man, The Rockford Files, and The Incredible Hulk.

Moritz was a popular guest on talk, variety, and game shows, making numerous appearances on The Merv Griffin Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, The Dean Martin Show, and Match Game.

Aside from acting, Moritz studied law at the University of West Los Angeles. She also sold real estate, sang, owned a hotel in Beverly Hills, and was writing books at the time of her death.

Moritz died January 30, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. She was 72.