Melanie Vincz, a name that might ring a bell for those who are fans of 1980s cinema, especially the cult classic “The Lost Empire.” But since her appearance in that film, many have wondered: where did she go? What has she been up to?
Background Information
Melanie Vincz was born on December 7, 1949 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She came from humble beginnings along with her brother, who was an avid drag racer.
Before getting into acting, Vincz had a brief stint in beauty pageants. She won the title of Miss Nationals Indy in 1969 at the age of 19, which helped open some doors for her into the entertainment industry.
Her first break came in 1979 when she landed a guest starring role on the hit TV show Mork & Mindy. This appearance gained Vincz attention and led to her relocating to Los Angeles to pursue acting full time.
Early Acting Career
After getting her start with a small part on Mork & Mindy in 1979, Melanie Vincz began landing minor roles on various popular TV shows throughout the early 1980s. She made appearances on series like Hart to Hart, Night Court, Hardcastle and McCormick, The Fall Guy, and Three’s Company.
Vincz had bit parts in a couple made-for-TV movies like 1981’s Goldie and the Boxer Go To Hollywood and also appeared briefly in shows like General Hospital and The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo. Her first recurring TV role was as Corinne on the soap opera General Hospital in 1981.
One of Vincz’s more visible early roles was playing a beauty contestant named Diane in a 1980 episode of The Dukes of Hazzard. She also showed up in small roles three times on the show Fantasy Island between 1981-1983.
Her work in television paving the way for her big screen starting role in 1984’s The Lost Empire.
The Lost Empire
The Lost Empire is a classic 1980s fantasy adventure directed by Jim Wynorski. Made on a modest budget, the film is packed with the campy action, eccentric characters, and comic book-style storytelling that defined the B-movie genre.
The plot follows Angel Wolfe, a tough police inspector played by Melanie Vincz. After her brother is killed under mysterious circumstances, Angel discovers he was searching for an ancient artifact called the Eye of Avatar rumored to grant immortality. Her investigation leads to a sinister cult leader named Dr. Sin Do, who has apparent ties to an ancient immortal demon named Lee Chuck.
To infiltrate Sin Do’s island lair, Angel goes undercover along with two other women – her Native American friend Whitestar and a thief named Heather. On the island, the women must battle Sin Do’s henchmen and navigate treacherous temples to uncover the secret of the Eye and take down the cult.
Filled with martial arts fights, chase sequences, shootouts, and temple traps, The Lost Empire packs in all the absurd action and adventure expected from a fun 1980s B-movie. Vincz shines as the wisecracking heroine Angel Wolfe, doing many of her own stunts alongside co-stars like Raven De La Croix.
Later Acting Career
After her breakout role in 1984’s The Lost Empire, Melanie Vincz continued booking small parts in television shows and TV movies throughout the late 80s and early 90s.
Some of Vincz’s notable roles after The Lost Empire included playing Dr. Zelda Lindstrom on Days of Our Lives from 1984-1987 and in 1985, Vincz co-starred in the TV movie Blade in Hong Kong.
Dangerous Women
One of her most notable roles was on the crime drama ‘Dangerous Women.’
“Dangerous Women” is an American soap opera that aired in 1991. The show was syndicated and revolved around a group of women who had served time in prison together. It was created and written by Reg Watson and produced by Reg Grundy Productions.
Melanie Vincz had a recurring role of Crystal Fox in the series. The show premiered on August 7, 1991, and aired for only one season, concluding on January 1, 1992, after 52 episodes.
“Dangerous Women” was Melanie Vincz’s last acting credit, after which she transitioned out of the acting industry.
What is Melanie Vincz Doing Now?
In May 1999, Melanie Vincz embarked on a new journey with AirFlite, Inc., trading the glamour of the film sets for the vast expanse of the skies.
For over 24 years and counting, Melanie has been serving as a Flight Attendant Manager at AirFlite, Inc.
In this role, she not only actively serves as a flight attendant but also shoulders the responsibility of training and supervising other company flight attendants.