Rosanne Katon is a multifaceted American personality, boasting a diverse range of professions including modeling, acting, comedy, and activism. She achieved widespread recognition as Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month for its September 1978 issue, with her centerfold photographed by renowned photographer Mario Casilli.
Born in the vibrant city of New York, Katon's heritage is a unique blend of Jamaican and African-American roots. Her early career in Hollywood spanned the mid-1970s, with notable appearances on popular television shows such as Grady, Jason of Star Command, What's Happening!!, Good Times, and That's My Mama, starring the talented Clifton Davis.
Katon's filmography boasts leading roles in two Cirio Santiago action films, Ebony, Ivory & Jade (1976) and The Muthers (1976),alongside fellow Playboy centerfold Jean Bell. However, she was often typecast in sex kitten roles in R-Rated comedies like The Swinging Cheerleaders (1974),Chesty Anderson, U.S. Navy (1976),American Raspberry (1976),Lunch Wagon (1981),Zapped! (1982),and Bachelor Party (1984). Her iconic status as a Playboy centerfold solidified her reputation in this regard.
In addition to her film and television work, Katon has made notable appearances on the medical drama St. Elsewhere, alongside the esteemed Denzel Washington, and in two award-winning UCLA student films, Julie Dash's "Illusions" (1982) and S. Torriano Berry's "Rich" (1982). Her other film credits include the TV movie The Night They Took Miss Beautiful (1977),the cult horror film Motel Hell (1980),Body and Soul (1981),City Girl (1984),and Harem (1985),opposite Nastassja Kinski and Ben Kingsley.
Katon's impressive career has also seen her honored as Miss Golden Globes for the 1981 awards show, becoming the first African American to receive this prestigious distinction since the custom began in 1962. As part of this recognition, she presented the statuettes during the ceremony.
In addition to her on-screen work, Katon has also made a mark on the stage, taking on lead roles in Broadway productions like Godspell and featured roles in parodies such as Women Behind Bars.
Katon's career has not been limited to acting, as she has also explored the world of stand-up comedy, appearing in the June 1991 Playboy pictorial "Funny Girls," which showcased female comedians.
