Judith O'Dea is an American actress, renowned for her lasting impact on horror cinema. She achieved international fame through her iconic role as Barbara in George A. Romero's cult classic *Night of the Living Dead* (1968).

In the film, O'Dea portrays the female protagonist, whose character, initially a traumatized victim and subsequently in a catatonic state, became an emblematic figure of the genre, embodying the vulnerability and shock in the face of the zombie apocalypse.

Although she did not star in numerous high-profile films after her debut, O'Dea continued to appear in independent productions and low-budget works, often within the horror genre. Many of her subsequent appearances, such as in *Claustrophobia* (2011) or *October Moon* (2008), capitalize on her association with Romero's film, offering roles that recall her legacy in the genre.