Marilyn Chambers is shown in Los Angeles in this 1983 file photo. Chambers was found dead by her 17-year-old daughter at her home in northern Los Angeles County on Sunday. She was 56. The cause of death has not been determined. (Associated Press)

Marilyn Chambers, a former laundry detergent model who gained pop culture fame as an adult film actress of the 1970s, has died at the age of 56.

Chambers was found dead at her Los Angeles County home Sunday night, according to coroner's spokesman Ed Winter.

A cause of death was not released, but foul play was not suspected. An autopsy is pending.

Chambers became infamous when, while engaged as a model advertising Ivory Snow laundry detergent, the angelic-faced actress also starred in the X-rated 1972 film Behind the Green Door.

The title reflected several milestones, including showing sex scenes between a Caucasian and a black actor. It was widely distributed and was among the titles that helped usher in a more mainstream acceptance of adult films.

Though most of her subsequent credits were from the adult film industry, in which she became a significant star, Chambers also had credits in more traditional cinema, including the leading role in Canadian director David Cronenberg's 1977 horror film Rabid, which was shot in Montreal.

With files from the Associated Press