Wendy Kilbourne: North & South Star To Advocate!

Nina West 12 May 2025

Ever wondered what happened to the radiant Constance Hazard from "North and South" or the captivating Devon King from "Midnight Caller"? Wendy Kilbourne, the actress who breathed life into these iconic roles, traded the glitz of Hollywood for the pursuit of justice.

Kilbourne's journey is far from the typical Hollywood narrative. While she captured hearts with her performances in the "North and South" miniseries (1985, 1986, and 1994) and as Devon King in "Midnight Caller," her story took an unexpected turn. On the set of "North and South," she met actor James Read, a meeting that blossomed into a marriage in 1988. Together, they embarked on a life journey filled with love, family, and a shared commitment to making a difference. However, the journey was not without its challenges; in 1994, Kilbourne faced the devastating loss of a stillborn daughter, Willa, a tragedy she bravely shared with columnist Robin Abcarian, offering solace to others facing similar experiences. This profound experience, coupled with her observations of the foster care system, ignited a new passion within her a passion for advocacy and justice.

Full Name	Wendy Kilbourne
Date of Birth	June 29, 1964
Place of Birth	Los Angeles, California, USA
Age (as of November 2024)	60 years
Occupation	Former Actress, Attorney
Spouse	James Read (Married 1988)
Children	Three (including one deceased daughter, Willa)
Education	Law Degree (Specific institution not explicitly mentioned in provided texts)
Notable Roles	Constance Hazard in "North and South" trilogy, Devon King in "Midnight Caller"
Estimated Net Worth (2019)	$38 Million (Note: this is based on older data and may not be current)
Primary Income Sources	Acting (formerly), Law
Other Ventures	Founder of a charter school for foster children in Santa Barbara
Legal Practice	Law Offices of Wendy Kilbourne Read
Inspiration	Experiences with foster children, personal tragedies
First Television Appearance	March 1983, "Matt Houston"
Languages	English
Reference	Wendy Kilbourne Filmography on Rotten Tomatoes

Born on June 29, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, Wendy Kilbourne stepped into the world of television at the tender age of eighteen. Her debut came in March 1983 with a guest appearance on an episode of "Matt Houston" (1982). She reprised that role the following year and also featured in the TV movie "Calendar Girl Murders" (1984). However, it was her portrayal of Constance Hazard in the "North and South" miniseries that catapulted her to widespread recognition. The series, set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, captivated audiences with its compelling characters and epic storyline.

While "North and South" remains a defining role, Kilbourne also left her mark as Devon King, the radio station owner in "Midnight Caller." This role showcased her versatility as an actress, proving her ability to embody strong, independent women. Her performances consistently garnered praise for their depth and authenticity.

The narrative of "North and South" extends beyond the screen, intertwining with Kilbourne's personal life. It was on the set of this historical drama that she crossed paths with James Read, who would later become her husband. Their meeting sparked a connection that led to a wedding in 1988. Together, they built a family, welcoming three children into their lives, including a son born in 1990. The couple faced immense heartbreak in 1994 with the stillbirth of their daughter, Willa. Kilbourne's decision to speak openly about this devastating loss with columnist Robin Abcarian provided a platform for shared grief and offered support to others who had experienced similar tragedies.

The success of "North and South" propelled many of its cast members to prominent careers, while others faded from the spotlight. Kilbourne chose a different path, one driven by compassion and a desire to advocate for vulnerable children. Her commitment to social justice led her to pursue a law degree, adding another dimension to her already impressive repertoire.

Wendy Kilbourne's transition from actress to attorney wasn't a sudden decision. It was fueled by years of observation and a growing awareness of the challenges faced by children in the foster care system. Her dedication to making a positive impact on their lives became a driving force, leading her to leave the entertainment industry and embark on a new career path. The specific details of her legal education are not extensively detailed in the provided texts, but her commitment to law is consistently emphasized.

Her work extends beyond the courtroom. Kilbourne is the founder of a charter school in Santa Barbara dedicated to serving foster children. This initiative reflects her deep understanding of the needs of these children and her unwavering commitment to providing them with educational opportunities and a nurturing environment. Her involvement in the History Center for Living Peace in 2010 further underscores her dedication to promoting peace and compassion.

The Law Offices of Wendy Kilbourne Read represent the culmination of her legal expertise and her passion for advocacy. Through her legal practice, she continues to champion the rights of foster youth and other vulnerable populations. Her journey from actress to attorney is a testament to her versatility, her commitment to social justice, and her unwavering belief in the power of compassion.

The texts mention an episode from "Midnight Caller" in 1988 that sparked controversy. The episode, titled "After It Happened," depicted a bisexual man as an AIDS carrier who deliberately infects heterosexual women. The original concept involved the man being killed in a vigilante murder by one of the women he infected. The scene was followed by a medical team in hazmat suits removing the body while Jack Killian comforted the distraught shooter. This portrayal of AIDS and the LGBTQ+ community was met with criticism and highlights the evolving societal understanding of these issues.

While online sources like Wikipedia, Google Search, and Yahoo Search estimated Wendy Kilbourne's net worth to be around $38 million in 2019, this figure should be viewed with caution as it may not be entirely accurate or current. Her primary income sources included her work as a movie actor, lawyer, and television actor.

Wendy Kilbourne's story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that it's possible to reinvent oneself and pursue a path driven by purpose and compassion. Her career exemplifies the idea that we can find peace and love within ourselves and then share that peace and love with the world. It highlights the unlimited possibilities for good deeds, kindness, and compassion.

Her husband, James Read, gained fame through "North and South" ("Fackeln im Sturm" in German). At 69 years old, James Read remains active as an actor. He and Wendy Kilbourne have been married for 37 years, having dated for three years after meeting in 1988 before marrying that same year. They have two children, Jackson and Sydney.

Wendy Kilbourne's early television career also included a guest appearance on "Murder, She Wrote." She starred in various TV movies and series, including "The Cape." You can find more information about her biography, filmography, and streaming options on TV Guide and explore her complete filmography on Rotten Tomatoes.

In Swedish, Wendy Kilbourne is known for her roles as Constance Hazard in "North and South" and as radio station owner Devon King in "Midnight Caller" ("En rst i natten"). The page referencing a "last edited" date of February 4, 2025, at 07:47 indicates the evolving nature of online information and the importance of verifying sources. All structured data from the main, property, lexeme, and entityschema namespaces is available under the Creative Commons CC0 License.

For those interested in learning more, resources exist that detail Wendy Kilbourne's birthday, her life before fame, her family life, fun trivia facts, and popularity rankings. You can also browse Wendy Kilbourne movies and TV shows available on Prime Video and begin streaming them on your favorite device.

Wendy Kilbourne's career is a multifaceted narrative that extends beyond the typical Hollywood story. It's a story of love, loss, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Her journey serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that we each have the power to create positive change in the world.