Meredith MacRae, one of the three lead actresses from Petticoat Junction, is pictured here. I look at my childhood and feel I had two obstacles to overcome -- one was that my parents were famous (her mother Sheila MacRae is an actress, performer, comedienne), the other, that my father was an alcoholic. MacRae left the playhouse to work as a page with the National Broadcasting Company in New York. She looked beautiful, proudly rocking a "We Can Survive" slogan T-shirt and black curls, a direct contrast to her mom's signature blonde locks. She also made several PBS specials. She launched a TV talk show career with "Mid-Morning L.A.," which she co-hosted with Geoff Edwards. Survivors include business executive Phil Neal, whom she married in 1995 and who lives in Manhattan Beach; a daughter from her second marriage; two stepsons; her mother; a sister; and two brothers. Apr 22, 2021 - Actress Meredith Macrae with Her Daughter Photographic Print. Early years. Some of her friends do drugs, but she hasn't. Also, originally stationed with the Army Air Corps, MacRae's dad later pursued an acting career, snagging major roles on "Oklahoma" and "Carousel," among others. 'Petticoat Junction' star Lori Saunders was rescued in real life in a very 'Petticoat Junction' way. I worry about her too much, she's not a good student, we're struggling through. Her imbalance resulted in a fall that caused her to suffer a fracture to her hip. "I feel I have to do everything myself to make sure it gets done. (From Rotten Tomatoes') Meredith MacRae on the ABC tv special "The Phenomenon of Benji." True beauty and eldest daughter Meredith Mac Rae, who also resembled her father Gordon, achieved her own fame in 1966 for starring as Billy Jo in the hit series "Petticoat Junction." Gordon Mac Rae told Meredith, 'If you get straight As two years in a row, I'll buy you a car. Meredith became a television producer and writer. When word of his illness spread early this year, MacRae received 2,847 letters in one day, Mrs. MacRae said. She also received the Angel Award as producer of the most outstanding documentary of the year, a Vesta Award for Excellence in Journalism and, a Bronze Halo Award from the Motion picture Broadcast Council. Valerie Bertinelli Looks Young at 62 After Divorce, She Finds Happiness in Cooking & Says Age Is Just a Number', Billy Joel Was 'Thrilled' to Become Dad of 3 at 68 after Finding Love with Equestrian Wife, Taste of the 60s, 70s & 80s: 10 Forgotten Snacks That Only Kids from Those Days Remember, Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz's Kids Lived Different Lives after Parents Thrust Them into the Spotlight, Ron Howard Was Most Concerned about His Kids' Values Inside His Decision to Protect Them, Robin Williams Wanted His Children to Be Proud of Him Meet His 3 Kids Who He Cherished. She admitted the experience had its perks, including privileges like wealth, travel, and fame. Viewers might not be exactly sure how they know her, but everyone realizes they liked her. But it feels like the right thing to do. Because of her experience as the child of a recovering alcoholic--her father--Miss MacRae lectured nationally on the subject and produced a TV special on the disease. Meredith would appear on the big screen ten more times, none of the movies being well remembered. "Everyone who grew up in an alcoholic home needs help. She was a guest on NBC' The Spring Thing a musical television special hosted by Bobbie Gentry and Noel Harrison. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. They had one daughter, Allison, born in 1974. Greg and Meredith divorced in 1992. She died at her home in the coastal suburb of Manhattan Beach. On the latter show, she turned the character from a blonde stereotype into a strong-willed, singing woman. In 1995, Meredith married Philip Neal, Chairman and CEO of Avery . She remained with the sitcom until its cancellation in 1970.[2]. Notably, their biological relationship and familial ties are all the connections between the two women, who looked nothing alike nor followed the same career paths. She grew up with her parents, Gordon and Sheila MacRae, both entertainers, and nurtured her interest in the arts. Meredith always found time to travel to discuss the effects of alcoholism on families. Her mother is actress-comedian Sheila MacRae, who was a star on television's "The Honeymooners.". Meredith serves as an inspiration to adult children of alcoholics as well as others who have coped with co-dependent relationships. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Mrs. MacRae said that although her husband suffered a stroke in 1982 and doctors said he would never be able to work again, he kept performing out of sheer guts and willpower.. Her father struggled with alcoholism, and her parents divorced when she was ten. However, with all the glitz and glamour came some downsides that proved really difficult for a child to endure. ", She said she still has trouble relying on others to do things for her. Let's take a closer look. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. ( m. 1961) . cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Learn how your comment data is processed. There was the first romance with a man who was "way too old and too rich." In the eighties, the star took a step back from the movie scenes, opting to make a career in live TV. Verify and try again. Try again later. But I thought he did just beautifully in that scene where he had a live chick in his car and had to put it in the trunk and close the trunk and hand me the key.". Horace Heidt heard the young baritone one day in 1941 and offered him a job as a vocalist in his orchestra. MacRae and his first wife had four children - Meredith, Heather, W. Gordon and Bruce - before they were divorced. One thing I must say, my father didn't get drunk at home -- he'd go to the country club to play golf, then drink and gamble, playing cards for the whole night. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Maintained by: Find a Grave "But, it will be part business for him," she added. Meredith MacRae (19 April 1969 - 1987) (divorced) (1 child) . Her appearance on the social media pages of relatives has put the woman in the public eye on occasions. Family (1) Spouse She is most remembered for her roles as Sally Morrison on My Three Sons (1963-1965) and as Billie Jo Bradley on Petticoat Junction (1966-1970). Pick: Do you consider these musicians one-hit wonders? Greg and Meredith divorced in 1992 but remained friends.In 1995, Meredith married Philip Neal, Chairman and CEO of Avery-Dennison.In 1999, she was diagnosed with cancer. Although cast as the oldest sister in Petticoat Junction, she was actually three years younger than Lori Saunders, the "middle sister" and only a few months older than Linda Kaye Henning, the "youngest sister.". "Talking about things that are so personal was hard when I first began," she said later. In a telephone interview last week from her home in Encino, Calif., Meredith talked about her life as the daughter of an alcoholic father, Gordon MacRae, a top movie idol of the '50s, best known for his role as "Curly" in "Oklahoma. But even a greater disadvantage was my father being an alcoholic.". Thats good to hear. Meredith MacRae made her film debut at age 7 in "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" (1953), which starred her father and Doris Day. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Speaking of her ex-husband Greg Mullavey, if you get a chance watch the film Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice. He has a small role at the beginning, playing a laid-back, New Age group therapy leader, and hes perfect. ; Beat the Clock; Card Sharks; The Cross-Wits; and Family Feud. She chairs charitable events and serves on several boards. They had one daughter, Allison Mullavey. You dont realize whats going on until you admit you are owerless over this creeping, cunning, dastardly powerful disease and that your life is unmanageable, MacRae said. I met a normal man, a wholesome, warm, loving person who's not in show business he's a business executive. Your email address will not be published. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Meredith began her acting career at a young age, receiving a part in By the Light of the Silvery Moon in 1953, which starred her father. Then there was her second romance. 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She turned from action to interviewing. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Contents 1 Early life 2 Career 2.1 My Three Sons 2.2 Petticoat Junction 2.3 Other work MacRae was speaking to a group of employers and counselors attending a luncheon in honor of the 10th anniversary of the forming of St. Anthony Hospital's CareUnit, which treats patients with drug and alcohol dependence, as well as other members of dysfunctional families. She also took over the role of Animal from Valora Noland in Bikini Beach (1964), the third beach party film produced by American International Pictures. Meredith MacRae. She left behind a daughter who is upholding her mom's legacy in her own way. ; The Mike Douglas Show; The Rockford Files; Fantasy Island; Webster; CHiPS; Love, American Style; and Magnum, P.I.. MacRae was also popular in the game-show genre, appearing in numerous shows, including: Funny You Should Ask; Match Game ('60s, '70s, and '90s versions); What's My Line? Her character (and MacRae herself) had both warmth and intelligence (in addition to beauty). She had been with the new fellow for more than a month when he told her that his old girlfriend was coming back and he needed to see if he still loved her. In 1964, shortly after assuming the role of Sally Ann Morrison on My Three Sons, MacRae cut a single called "Image of a Boy," a gender-swapped cover of the 1960 hit "Image of a Girl" by the Safaris. (1980), The Rockford Files (1974), and Webster (1983) (the highest rated episode ever). As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. She laughed saying, "But finally, I think I broke the pattern. The encounter often left her cranky and wishing to be anywhere else but there. Children. That's what I'd like to leave with you," she said. During that time, he traveled the country speaking on behalf of the National Council on Alcoholism. Meredith MacRae was her sister, and she has two brothers, Bruce and Gar.. She studied at the University of Colorado but left academics to pursue a career in show business.. Career. MacRae's film career included roles in Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were . Yep, her pop was Curly, the cowboy singing the immortal songs "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'" and "Oklahoma.". Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. In the 1960s, the whole family occasionally worked together in a nightclub act, and Meredith MacRae appeared on the television shows Petticoat Junction and My Three Sons. MacRae married Elizabeth Lambert Schrafft, a Nebraska native, in 1967, and their daughter, Amanda, was born in 1968. She also worked for many charities including the League of Women Voters, Women in Film, Committee for the Childrens Burn Foundation, and the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation (UCPF). Though her cancer was terminal, she agreed to be part of an experimental cancer drug program. They had one daughter, Allison, born in 1974. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. [1], In January 1999, MacRae began to experience vertigo and a loss of short-term memory. On one occasion he did come and brought Dean Martin along -- both arrived drunk -- Dean's children were among the guests. His voice was magnificent, and no one sang like him. Gordon was a very religious man and he spent most of his time in prayer. Learn more about merges. Picture of Meredith MacRae on "My Three Sons" | Photo: Getty Images. In the 1980s, she hosted the talk show Mid-Morning Los Angeles, which ran for eight years. ", by. I read about a Ladies Fun Night which she held every month or two. I hope people will recognize patterns and say, "That's what I do sit and wait for a jerk.' In the Eighties, MacRae transitioned to live TV, working on the program Mid-Morning L.A. A diligent researcher, MacRae "did her homework" every night preparing for the interviews. She attended UCLA and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. This account has been disabled. We have set your language to In the late 1950s, he moved into televison as host of the Colgate Comedy Hour and the Lux Television Theater. He also had a recording contract with Capitol Records. Meredith MacRae, cast member on the CBS television series "Petticoat Junction," is photographed in 1969 in Los Angeles | Photo: Getty Images. And there was the night he told her after dinner that he had to work on papers from his briefcase, but graciously told her that she could "stay and watch. Then again it could be the two television shows she had a regular role on or one of the other 18 shows she appeared on. She would invite her friends and a guest speaker. Her father, whom she loved, was not only an alcoholic, but also a compulsive gambler. In 1995, Meredith married Philip Neal, Chairman and CEO of Avery-Dennison. He was host of The Railroad Hour on radio from 1948 to 1954. In 1969, Meredith married again, this time to actor Greg Mullavey (best known from his role on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman). or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. After she passed away, the MacRae/Edelman Center, a place where adults with cerebral palsy can get help, was named for her. She has tutors because she's dyslexic. (1955) and Carousel (1956)), and her mother, Sheila MacRae, is an actress/comedienne and author, who is probably best known as Alice Kramden (1966-1970), during the 2nd incarnation of Jackie Gleason's The Jackie Gleason Show (1966) (aka "The Honeymooners").At the age of eight, Meredith started her own acting career and appeared in the film By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953), which starred her father.She attended UCLA and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Meredith Lynn MacRae (May 30, 1944 - July 14, 2000) [1] was an American actress, singer and talk show host. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. The award, also to be presented to two local women, recognizes outstanding women who have overcome a major health challenge and successfully integrated it into their lifestyle. I remember tugging at his leg to get his attention. From my research it sounded like they became closer at the end of his life. "I believe strongly in therapy as is offered here in the CareUnit and in 12-step programs for alcoholics and their families," she said. They divorced four years later. It's a diverse group, that's what makes it interesting.". To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. But that's not true. This browser does not support getting your location. She has accepted an invitation to speak at a free lecture sponsored by WomanCare, a program of The Allentown Hospital-Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Holiday Inn Conference Center, Route 100 and I-78, Fogelsville. It was no sports story. Many people praised her for maintaining her dignity and sense of humor during this painful time. Miss MacRae, as Billie Jo, was one of the widow's three eye-catching daughters who helped run the Hooterville establishment. She is most remembered for her roles as Sally Morrison on My Three Sons (19631965) and as Billie Jo Bradley on Petticoat Junction (19661970). MacRae briefly outlined her disappointments as a child while her father was gripped by his addiction to alcohol: the evenings he didn't come home from the country club where he golfed, gambled and drank; his slide to the bottom as a performer. Time with her daughter takes top priority. MacRae died from complications of brain cancer on July 14, 2000, in her Manhattan Beach home. In 1995, she walked down the aisle again, becoming wife to business executive Phil Neal. The pair dated briefly before tying the knot in 1969. I didnt realize she did much voice work. Her father was the late actor-singer Gordon MacRae, who played the lovesick cowboy Curly in "Oklahoma!" She left behind a daughter who is upholding her mom's legacy in her own way. They had one daughter, Allison, born in 1974. "Then I never talked about recent things like that. In the 1960s, the whole family occasionally worked together in a nightclub act, and Meredith MacRae appeared on the television shows Petticoat Junction and My Three Sons.. He was a very unusual person in show business in the sense that he never dwelt on his past achievements. The picture showed the woman all smiles as she posed beside the two icons. I recognize the pattern, I was never attracted to nice guys.". Greg and Meredith divorced in 1992 but remained friends. ", A 1983 profile in Orange Coast Magazine explained, "[B]etween acting assignments and her duties as a wife and mother, she attended night classes at UCLA for ten years, receiving a degree in English Literature. Knot in 1969, click the photo viewer of your location will saved! Special hosted by Bobbie Gentry and Noel Harrison open the photo viewer from a blonde stereotype a... In English a memorial may add an additional was ten Family Feud recognize. 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