Stella Stevens, star of 'The Nutty Professor,' is dead at 84

Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and 70s comedies perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewis's affection in ``The Nutty Professor,'' has died at 84. Stevens' estate said she died Friday in Los Angeles after a long illness.

She started acting and modeling during her time at Memphis State University and made her film debut in a minor role in the Bing Crosby musical ``Say One for Me'' in 1959. She also directed several films, and retired in 2010.