Laurel Near is an American actress. She played the role of The Lady in the Radiator in 1977's Eraserhead. In this cult film she is seen performing the song "In Heaven", although in actuality she was lip-syncing a vocal performance by Boston-based musician Peter Ivers, the song's composer. Laurel Near sang in a trio with her two sisters Timi and Holly Near. The latter was a good friend of Catherine E. Coulson. Near is now a mother of 3 children and resides in Ukiah, California. She currently co-directs School of Performing Arts and Cultural Education (S.P.A.C.E.), where she teaches children musical theater, acting, and modern dance while addressing and teaching about cultural issues, and acceptance of diversity.
The first scene to be filmed after the long hiatus of "Eraserhead" (principal photography started May 1972, and resumed May 1974) involved the Lady in the Radiator, played by Laurel Near. Laurel sang in a trio with her two sisters, Holly and Timi, the latter was a good friend of Catherine E. Coulson (assistant camera/assistant to director).
Actress
Title
Year
Status
Character
Eraserhead
1977
Lady in the Radiator
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream
$12 Million