ACTRESS KNOWS NOHO BUSINESS.

Byline: Mary Beth Alexander Daily News Staff Writer

In the span of more than 40 years, Beverly Garland has been a western gunslinger, a monster movie heroine, a doting wife and the mother of many a television lad or lass, including Lois Lane.

The 68-year-old actress has also played a key behind-the-scenes role in her community - as the honorary mayor of North Hollywood.

``Beverly takes her job very seriously. If there's an event, whether it's a carnival at the park or the opening of the NoHo Arts Festival - whatever it happens to be, . . . she is there,'' said Debra Sakacs, executive director of the North Hollywood/Universal City Chamber of Commerce.

Garland has co-owned a hotel that bears her name for 25 years.

``I think people should be active in the community,'' said Garland, who cuts ribbons at new businesses, hosts fund-raisers and tells jokes at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast. ``It only makes sense.''

These days, the actress can often can be found at the hotel that she and her husband, Fillmore Crank, opened in 1972.

Crank oversees the finances of the more than 200-room hotel, which recently became a Holiday Inn, on Vineland Avenue just off the Ventura Freeway. Garland makes it a point to stop in regularly, either to dine with her husband or simply to mingle with the staff and guests.

``It's fascinating. It's interesting,'' Garland said of running the hotel. ``We own it. We built it. It's not something we acquired. We created it.''

Guests frequently ask to meet her. Many already know her. The hotel is popular with many in the entertainment industry for business meetings, overnight stays and filming on the lush grounds.

``I think the most important thing in my life right now is my hotel,'' Garland said. ``It really is my life.''

Through it all, Garland seems tireless. She is the spokeswoman for the National Tour Association. She runs Toys for Tots drives. When the parts come along, she continues to act.

With a happy marriage and successful career, Garland said she has no complaints.

``I've had a very, very, very good life,'' Garland said. ``I've been blessed.''

This week, Garland appears on ``Diagnosis Murder'' on CBS, reprising a part she played 24 years ago alongside actor Mike Connors in the hit series ``Mannix.''

Garland says she has enjoyed all her roles but takes her acting career in stride.

``It's fun. It's fulfilling. It feels good,'' said Garland, whose acting roles included a three-year stint on ``My Three Sons'' as the wife. ``I'm at that age where I'm not 31 anymore. The acting is great when it comes along.''

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Photo

Photo: Actress Beverly Garland looks out at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn. She co-founded the hotel in 1972.

Shaun Dyer/Special to the Daily News