Monson got his start at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse’s school of theatre, known as the Hollywood “Star Factory.” In 1964, with his first wife Laura Shelton, he founded the Curtain Call Theater in North Hollywood, a critically acclaimed invitational playhouse run by professional actors on a cooperative basis.
In addition to working in theatre, Monson also directed and wrote screenplays for low-budget exploitation films during the 1970s and 1980s.
Death Feud A Scream in the Streets Booby Trap The Takers Please Don't Eat My Mother Blood Legacy The Acid Eaters Monson's first wife was Laura Shelton (1935-2008) a.k.a.
She was a frequent guest star on several popular 1960s television series including Wagon Train, Harrigan and Son, The Detectives starring Robert Taylor, The Beverly Hillbillies, My Favorite Martian, Have Gun, Will Travel and Death Valley Days.
Carl Monson later married Tricia Kross (ex-wife of Three Dog Night keyboard player, Jimmy Greenspoon).