Julie Amato (née Just; January 29, 1944 â April 4, 2022) was a professional actress, singer, and voice-over artist.
Amato was born to Thaddeus and Rose Just in Lackawanna, New York in 1944, the eldest of six siblings. She was afflicted with Guillane-Barre syndrome at the age of ten and was paralyzed for two years.
In 1961, Amato graduated high school and went on to study drama at Ithaca College. She also sang in local clubs, where she met her husband, musician Dominc Joseph Amato. The two married in 1965, after Julie's graduation, and had their first child in 1966.
Amato won the title of Miss New York State 1965. At the Miss America pageant, she was a non-finalist and won the talent award for popular singer.
The family emigrated to Canada as conscientious objectors to the Vietnam War.
In Canada, Amato established herself as a TV personality. She was featured on "Time for a Living," a CBC series with Alan Thicke, became a regular on "House of Pride," and appeared as a guest panelist on "This Is The Law." She also made guest appearances on "Rollin' On The River" and "Half The George Kirby Comedy Hour." Soon she landed herself a role as host of a variety show in the style of The Carol Burnette Show. "Julie," or "The Julie Show," ran for two seasons between 1976 and 1978. Season 1 ran on CTV on Tuesdays at 8:30pm. Season 2 ran on CTV on Fridays at 7:30pm. The change in time slots is thought to have attributed to the show's cancellation. Some notable guests on the show include Andy Griffith, Eartha Kitt, and Rip Taylor.
Other guest appearances (unknown airdates): Jack Duffy, Billy Van, Bobby Vinton, George Goebbels
Following "The Julie Show," Amato became the spokesperson for White Westinghouse. She participated in several advertising campaigns: She was the voice of the National Geographic, the NBC, and narrated several âÂÂCelebrity Profilesâ for the âÂÂE!â channel. Amato later became a successful voiceover coach.
Although filming was done in the mid-1970s, "The Ghost Dance" was not released until 1982, following the premiere of the "Friday the 13th" franchise. In it, Amato plays Dr. Kay Foster.
Amato met her later life partner, C.O. Lee Boyce Jr., at MannâÂÂs Chinese Theater in November 1992.