Sondra Locke (born May 28, 1947 in Shelbyville, Tennessee) made her film debut in 1968 in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter with Alan Arkin for which, she received a 1969 Academy Award nomination for best actress in a supporting role. She then went on to co-star regularly with Clint Eastwood in his films, The Gauntlet, Every Which Way But Loose, Any Which Way You Can, Bronco Billy, Sudden Impact, and The Outlaw Josey Wales. Sondra Locke began a romantic relationship with Clint Eastwood during the filming of the Outlaw Josey Wales. They lived together for 12 years. When their relationship ended in 1988, Locke brought suit against Eastwood. Their settlement included a financial payment and a contract between Ms. Locke and Warner Bros, Inc. for $1.5 million (USD) in compensation for her directing services.
She was given a "pay or play" directing deal, but the studio never produced her proposed films nor hired her to direct. Locke hired famed entertainment attorney Neil Papiano, and filed suit again, this time against Warner Bros., alleging that the company never intended to make any films with her, and that Eastwood compensated Warner Bros. for the contract. In 1999, she settled out of court with Warner Bros. and Eastwood for a reportedly large, undisclosed amount (see ) and left Hollywood.
Sudden Impact (1984)
