Iconic Blob Movie CEO Judith Parker Harris Dies at 74

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Judith Parker Harris, the leader of Worldwide Entertainment Corp., which is famous for the 1958 science fiction film “The Blob” where Steve McQueen made his first major screen appearance, has passed away at the age of 74.

On March 31, Parker Harris passed away at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following a prolonged struggle against Multiple Sclerosis, as confirmed by his representative.

In the film titled The Blob, directed by Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr. at Paramount Studios, the story unfolds around a sluggish, blob-like extraterrestrial that lands on Earth inside a meteorite. This alien creature then proceeds to expand in size as it absorbs people, becoming a menacing presence that terrorizes a small town in Pennsylvania.

The film, created on a budget of merely $110,000 by Parker Harris’ future spouse, Jack H. Harris, eventually earned over $3 million in box office revenue.

In 1972, a sequel to “The Blob” was born, with Larry Hagman as its director. A year following Harris’s wedding, there came a high-budget 1988 remake, steered by Chuck Russell and distributed by TriStar Pictures. Another “Blob” movie is currently in development, set to be penned and directed by David Brucker for Warner Bros. Discovery.

Parker Harris was instrumental in securing a licensing agreement with Bally’s for the creation of slot machines with a Blob theme for casinos back in 1991. Alongside her spouse, she also developed Blobermouth, a humorous spin-off of the original.

Additionally, she oversaw numerous other movies from WEC’s collection of 30 feature films. These range from “4D Man” (1959) to “Paradisio” (1962), “Astro Zombies” (1968), “Equinox” (1970), and “Kill the Shogun” (1975). At the time of her passing, she was actively working on several fresh film concepts.

In her twenties, Parker Harris embarked on her career as a commercial producer and director. After serving as a television spokesperson for a large retail chain, producing over 3,000 commercials for companies like Shell Oil and Sears, she transitioned from Sacramento to Los Angeles.

Shortly following her arrival, she established an advertising firm that catered to a diverse range of sectors including healthcare, movie promotions, cosmetics, and tourism.

As a game enthusiast speaking here, I’m thrilled to share that I, Parker Harris, had the honor of being bestowed with the Crystal Award by Women in Film. My contributions, particularly in the production of their Public Service Announcements, were recognized there. Additionally, I was blessed to receive a Clio Award for my advertising work. It’s an incredible feeling knowing my efforts are appreciated!

She authored multiple books, held the position of L.A. chapter president for the National Speakers Association, and co-founded GreenLight Women, an organization that encourages diverse viewpoints among women aged forty and above in the media and entertainment sector.

Apart from this, she additionally founded Health Esteem International – a venture birthed from her personal struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. Through this platform, she guided others in finding their unique resolutions for their health predicaments.

Among those who carry on after me is my sister-in-law, Barbara. Regrettably, my beloved husband took his final bow in the year of 2017. I too was preceded by my dear brother, James, before him.

A memorial event is being planned. Instead of sending flowers, contributions can be made in her honor to the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

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2025-04-09 00:54