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Meredith MacRae
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Key Information
Meredith Lynn MacRae (May 30, 1944 – July 14, 2000)[1] was an American actress, singer and talk show host. She is known for her roles as Sally Morrison on My Three Sons (1963–1965) and as Billie Jo Bradley on Petticoat Junction (1966–1970).
Early life
[edit]MacRae was born in Houston, Texas, to parents Gordon and Sheila MacRae. Her father was stationed with the Army Air Corps in Houston at the time of her birth.[2] Both of her parents went on to be actors.[1] She was the sister of William Gordon "Gar" MacRae, Robert Bruce MacRae, and Heather MacRae.
Career
[edit]My Three Sons
[edit]MacRae made her breakthrough appearance as Sally Anne Morrison Douglas on the ABC (later CBS) sitcom, My Three Sons. She played Mike's love interest for three seasons (1963–1965).[2] She asked to be written out of the show to further explore her career.
Petticoat Junction
[edit]In 1966, MacRae signed a contract with CBS to play Billie Jo Bradley on the sitcom Petticoat Junction, starring Bea Benaderet as her television mother and Edgar Buchanan as her television great uncle. Her television sisters were Betty Jo, played by Linda Kaye Henning, and Bobbie Jo, played by Lori Saunders.
MacRae was the third actress to portray Billie Jo. Jeannine Riley played the part in the show's first two years (1963–1965) and Gunilla Hutton in the third year (1965–1966). Both of these actresses played the role as a typical boy-crazy dumb blonde. However, by MacRae's debut on the series, Billie Jo's persona was that of a strong, independent woman who focused more on a singing career, a dream she later accomplishes.
At first, the producers' intent was for Billie Jo and Steve Elliott (portrayed by Mike Minor) to have a relationship and eventually marry. However, Minor and Henning were dating at the time and eventually got married. The producers decided to incorporate their marriage into the show. McRae would later state in a 1969 interview that this cost her screen time and from that moment on she was anxious for the show to end. She remained with the sitcom until its cancellation in 1970.[2]
Other work
[edit]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. She had an uncredited appearance on the bus in the film Ski Party (1965). She was a guest on NBC's The Spring Thing a musical television special hosted by Bobbie Gentry and Noel Harrison. Other guests included Goldie Hawn, Irwin C. Watson, Rod McKuen, Shirley Bassey, and Harpers Bizarre.[3] Her other film roles included appearances in Norwood (1970), My Friends Need Killing (1976), Grand Jury (1976), Sketches of a Strangler (1978), Earthbound (1981), and The Census Taker (1984).
She made guest appearances on such shows as The Donald O'Connor Show (1968 version); The Dean Martin Show (1971); The F.B.I.; The Mike Douglas Show; The Rockford Files; Fantasy Island; Webster; CHiPs; The Fall Guy; 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?; I've Got a Secret; Personality; Snap Judgment; He Said, She Said (with then-husband Greg Mullavey); Tattletales (also with Mullavey); Hollywood Squares; The Dating Game; To Tell the Truth; Password (ABC version); $10,000 Pyramid; $25,000 Pyramid; Break the Bank; Celebrity Whew!; Beat the Clock; Card Sharks; The Cross-Wits; and Family Feud. She had even hosted an unsold game show pilot called $50,000 a Minute alongside Geoff Edwards in 1985.
In the 1980s, she hosted the talk show Mid-Morning Los Angeles, which ran for eight years. She was awarded a local Emmy Award in 1986 for her interviewing skills. Later, she created and hosted Born Famous, a PBS series on which she interviewed the offspring of celebrities.[2] She also co-hosted VTV: Value Television with Alex Trebek.
In 1994, she narrated the audio-book version of columnist Deborah Laake's book Secret Ceremonies: A Mormon Woman's Intimate Diary of Marriage and Beyond.[4]
In summer stock in her teens, she appeared with Dan Dailey in Take Me Along, with Andy Williams in Bye Bye Birdie, and in Annie Get Your Gun. [citation needed]
MacRae worked to raise funds for such causes as the Children's Burn Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and United Cerebral Palsy. She also lectured nationally on alcoholism and produced a TV special on the subject.[2]
Personal life
[edit]MacRae married Richard Berger, former president of MGM, in 1964, but they divorced four years later.[1] In 1969, she married fellow actor Greg Mullavey (famous for Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman) and had one child with him before divorcing in 1987.[1] Her third and final marriage was in 1995 to Phillip M. Neal, chairman and CEO of Avery-Dennison at the time of their marriage.[1]
Death
[edit]In January 1999, MacRae began to experience vertigo and short-term memory loss. She was evaluated and her symptoms were initially thought to be due to perimenopause. She returned to her doctor complaining of severe headaches. She was told the headaches were most likely due to muscle spasms and was encouraged to do cervical spine stretching. She obtained a second opinion and was diagnosed with brain cancer, which had already progressed to stage four. Emergency surgery was performed to remove the tumor and decrease the pressure in MacRae's head. During the operation, she suffered cardiac arrest but was resuscitated. Though her cancer was terminal, MacRae agreed to be part of an experimental cancer drug program. However, she experienced an allergic reaction to the medication that caused swelling in her brain, with two more surgeries being performed to relieve the pressure. Her imbalance resulted in a fall that caused her to suffer a fracture to her hip.[1][2]
On July 14, 2000, MacRae died at her Manhattan Beach home at age 56 from complications of brain cancer.[2] Per her wishes, her body was cremated, and her ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.[1]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Beach Party | Beach Girl | |
| 1964 | Bikini Beach | Animal | |
| 1966 | Footsteps in the Snow | Henrietta | |
| 1970 | Norwood | Kay | |
| 1976 | My Friends Need Killing | Laura Kline | |
| 1976 | Grand Jury | Nancy Williams | |
| 1978 | The Chinese Caper | Carolyn Moore Fong | |
| 1978 | Sketches of a Strangler | Lynn Forrester / Margaret Forrester | |
| 1981 | Earthbound | Lara | |
| 1983 | I'm Going to Be Famous | Susan Barker | |
| 1984 | The Census Taker | Martha | |
| 1984 | Vultures | Dr. Baker | |
| 1997 | The Killers Within | Talk Show Hostess |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963–1965 | My Three Sons | Sally Ann Morrison Douglas | Main role (seasons 4–5, premiere episode of season 6) |
| 1965 | The Young Marrieds | Julie Kovacs | 4 episodes |
| 1966–1970 | Petticoat Junction | Billie Jo Bradley | Main role (seasons 4–7) |
| 1968 | Insight | Gloria | Episode: "Three Cornered Flag" |
| 1968 | The Beverly Hillbillies | Billie Jo Bradley | 3 episodes |
| 1970–1971 | Love, American Style | Ruth, Linda | 2 episodes |
| 1971 | The Interns | Vicki | Episode: "Heart Trouble" |
| 1971 | Alias Smith and Jones | Sarah Henderson | Episode: "Something to Get Hung About" |
| 1972 | Banyon | Myra Shaw | Episode: "A Date with Death" |
| 1973 | The F.B.I. | Ruth Benson | Episode: "The Detonator" |
| 1975 | ABC's Wide World of Entertainment | Kendy | Episode: "The Werewolf of Woodstock" |
| 1977 | The Rockford Files | Lori Thompson | Episode: "Requiem for a Funny Box" |
| 1978 | The Next Step Beyond | Sara Westerly | Episode: "Ondine's Curse" |
| 1978 | Three on a Date | Valerie Owens | Television film |
| 1978, 1980 | Fantasy Island | Cindy Barker, Dina DeWinter | 2 episodes |
| 1980 | CHiPs | Beth | Episode: "Off Road" |
| 1983 | The Fall Guy | Herself | Episode: "To the Finish" |
| 1985 | Rituals | Estelle Cunningham | TV series |
| 1985 | Webster | Amanda Parson | Episode: "The Uh-Oh Feeling" |
| 1986 | Magnum, P.I. | Charlotte Graham | Episode: "Summer School" |
| 1992 | Batman: The Animated Series | Francine Langstrom (voice) | 2 episodes |
| 1993 | Jonny's Golden Quest | Rachel Quest (voice) | Television film |
Discography
[edit]Solo
- "Image of a Boy"/"Time Stands Still" — Canjo 103 (1964)
- "Who Needs Memories of Him"/"Goodbye Love" — Capitol 2000 (1967)
The Girls from Petticoat Junction (Meredith MacRae, Linda Kaye Henning and Lori Saunders)
- "I'm So Glad That You Found Me"/"If You Could Only Be Me" — Imperial 66329 (1968)
- "Wheeling, West Virginia"/"Thirty Days Hath September" — Imperial 66346 (1968)
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g "The Biography of Meredith Mac Rae". MeredithMacrae.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2006. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Meredith MacRae, TV Actress, 56". The New York Times. Associated Press. July 16, 2000. Archived from the original on February 3, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
- ^ Terrace, Vincent (June 6, 2013). Television Specials: 5,336 Entertainment Programs, 1936–2012, 2d ed. McFarland. ISBN 9781476612409. Archived from the original on May 2, 2024. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
- ^ Laake, Deborah; MacRae, Meredith (1994). Secret Ceremonies: A Mormon Woman's Intimate Diary of Marriage and Beyond. Dove Entertainment Inc. ISBN 978-0787103330.
External links
[edit]Meredith MacRae
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Birth and family
Meredith Lynn MacRae was born on May 30, 1944, in Houston, Texas, to actor and singer Gordon MacRae and actress Sheila MacRae; her father was stationed with the U.S. Army Air Corps at the time, leading some sources to cite her birthplace as nearby San Antonio or Fort Sam Houston.[1][4][5] As the eldest of four children, she had two brothers, William Gordon "Gar" MacRae and Robert Bruce MacRae, and a sister, Heather MacRae, who also pursued careers as an actress and singer.[5][6] Following her birth in Texas, the family relocated to California, where MacRae spent her childhood in the San Fernando Valley, immersed in the entertainment world due to her parents' prominent roles in film, television, and stage productions.[1][6] This early environment, shaped by her parents' show business commitments, provided her with foundational influences that later guided her own entry into acting and performing.[5]Education
MacRae grew up in the San Fernando Valley and attended local schools during her childhood, including the Buckley School in Sherman Oaks.[7] She completed her secondary education in the region before enrolling at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) around 1960.[1] At UCLA, she majored in English and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964.[4] During her university years, MacRae developed her interest in performing arts, drawing on her family's show business background to build skills in acting and singing alongside her studies. She balanced her academic commitments with emerging professional opportunities in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including early television appearances that began while she was still in school.[8]Career
Early career
Meredith MacRae's entry into the entertainment industry occurred during her childhood, with a brief appearance as a little girl in the 1953 musical film By the Light of the Silvery Moon, starring her father Gordon MacRae and Doris Day; her scenes were ultimately deleted from the final cut.[9][10] Following her education at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English, MacRae pursued adult acting roles in the early 1960s.[4] Her professional film debut came in 1963 with the teen comedy Beach Party, produced by American International Pictures, in which she appeared in a minor, uncredited role as a beach girl.[11] This marked her initial foray into the popular beach party genre that defined much of her early screen work. The following year, MacRae landed her first speaking part in the sequel Bikini Beach (1964), playing the character Animal and sharing the screen with stars Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello.[12] In addition to acting, MacRae demonstrated an early interest in singing, influenced by her father's prominent career as a vocalist in films and recordings, though her initial pursuits in this area remained limited to on-screen performances during this period.[13][1]My Three Sons
Meredith MacRae landed her first major television role as Sally Ann Morrison on the long-running sitcom My Three Sons in 1963, during the show's fourth season on ABC.[14] She portrayed the character, the girlfriend of eldest son Mike Douglas (played by Tim Considine), for three seasons until 1965. This casting came shortly after her minor appearances in films and guest spots, marking a significant step in her career trajectory. Sally was depicted as a warm and engaging young woman who provided emotional support to Mike and gradually became integrated into the Douglas household, adding a layer of romantic and familial warmth to the series' depiction of widower Steve Douglas (Fred MacMurray) raising his sons.[15] Her storylines contributed to the show's evolving focus on interpersonal relationships and family bonding following the established absence of the mother figure from the pilot episode.[14] In the season six premiere episode "The First Marriage," Sally and Mike marry and subsequently move away, leading to both characters being written out of the series. Behind the scenes, MacRae worked closely with the veteran cast, including Fred MacMurray, whose insistence on a condensed filming schedule—known as the "MacMurray Method"—involved shooting all of his scenes in a block over two months, allowing for efficient production but requiring careful continuity management across episodes.[15] She collaborated with co-stars like Considine and the younger actors portraying the Douglas brothers, contributing to the ensemble's chemistry in scenes emphasizing family unity and lighthearted domestic challenges.[14] The role elevated MacRae's profile considerably, establishing her as a promising television actress and opening doors to prominent parts in other series, including her subsequent lead on Petticoat Junction.Petticoat Junction
In 1966, Meredith MacRae was cast as Billie Jo Bradley, the eldest daughter of the Bradley family, on the CBS sitcom Petticoat Junction, replacing Gunilla Hutton who had succeeded Jeannine Riley in the role during season 3; MacRae portrayed the character for the show's final four seasons, from 1966 to 1970.[16][17] Billie Jo was depicted as an aspiring singer and one of three sisters helping their widowed mother, Kate Bradley (played by Bea Benaderet), manage the Shady Rest Hotel in the fictional rural town of Hooterville.[16] Under MacRae's portrayal, the character evolved from a somewhat flighty, starstruck performer in earlier seasons to a more responsible and adventurous family member involved in hotel operations and romantic storylines, including a marriage to farmer Steve Elliott (Mike Minor).[18] MacRae's interactions with key co-stars highlighted the show's ensemble dynamic, particularly her on-screen mother-daughter relationship with Benaderet, whose folksy wisdom contrasted with Billie Jo's youthful energy, and her comic exchanges with Edgar Buchanan as the scheming Uncle Joe Carson, the hotel's handyman.[16] The production navigated significant cast changes during her tenure, including Benaderet's death from lung cancer in October 1968 after filming only part of season 6; the series addressed this by having Kate leave for a world tour while introducing veterinarian Dr. Janet Craig (June Lockhart) as a boarder and maternal figure for the final two seasons.[19][20] The role boosted MacRae's visibility during Petticoat Junction's run as a staple of 1960s rural comedy, a genre popularized by creator Paul Henning that emphasized whimsical small-town life and family antics, contributing to the show's cultural resonance among audiences nostalgic for pre-urban American simplicity.[17] Although specific fan mail for MacRae is not documented, the series maintained solid viewership in her seasons, ranking in the top 30 Nielsen ratings through season 5 before declining amid broader shifts away from rural-themed programming.[21] Her performance as Billie Jo incorporated singing opportunities that aligned with her musical background, such as the season 6 episode "Billie Jo's First Record," where the character records a customized version of "The Girl from Ipanema," and collaborative singles with co-stars Linda Kaye Henning and Lori Saunders under the name "The Girls from Petticoat Junction."[22][13]Later career and hosting
Following the end of Petticoat Junction in 1970, Meredith MacRae transitioned into a diverse range of television roles, becoming a prominent figure in game shows and talk show hosting during the 1970s and 1980s. She made frequent appearances as a celebrity panelist on popular game shows, including Match Game across its 1960s, 1970s, and 1990s iterations, Hollywood Squares, and Family Feud, where her quick wit and engaging personality contributed to the programs' appeal.[6][1] In the 1980s, MacRae co-hosted the local talk show Mid-Morning Los Angeles on KHJ-TV alongside Geoff Edwards, a program that ran for eight years and featured interviews with newsmakers and profiles of notable figures. For her work on the show, she received a local Emmy Award in 1986 for outstanding host. She later created and hosted the PBS interview series Born Famous, which focused on conversations with the children of celebrities, exploring their experiences growing up in the shadow of fame.[6][8][1] MacRae also continued acting in guest roles on dramatic series, appearing in episodes of The Rockford Files in 1974, Fantasy Island in 1977 and 1980, and Magnum, P.I. in 1980. These roles showcased her versatility beyond comedy, often portraying complex characters in procedural and adventure formats. Additionally, drawing from her personal experiences with family alcoholism, she co-produced, hosted, and wrote the television special A Second Chance: Surviving Alcoholism, which aired on KHJ-TV in the 1980s and addressed recovery and its impacts.[1][6]Personal life
Marriages and family
MacRae's first marriage was to Richard Berger, an MGM executive, in 1964; the couple divorced four years later.[23][2] In 1969, she married actor Greg Mullavey, known for his role in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman; the pair welcomed their daughter, Allison Mullavey, in 1974.[24] The marriage lasted until their divorce in 1987, after which they remained close friends.[24] MacRae shared a strong bond with her daughter, who occasionally collaborated on creative projects within the family's entertainment circle, reflecting their mutual interests in the industry.[24] MacRae's third marriage, in 1995, was to businessman Phillip M. Neal, then chairman and CEO of Avery Dennison.[1][2][25] Throughout her adult life, MacRae maintained close ties with her siblings—sister Heather MacRae, an actress and singer, and brothers Bruce and Gar—who offered familial support amid her professional successes and challenges.[1][23]Philanthropy
MacRae maintained a long-term commitment to United Cerebral Palsy, spanning 30 years, during which she hosted telethons and served as a key fundraiser for the organization. In 2001, a United Cerebral Palsy center was posthumously named the MacRae-Edelman Center in her honor.[26] She supported the Children's Burn Foundation through involvement with its committee, aiding efforts to fund reconstructive surgeries for affected children.[27] MacRae also contributed to fundraising for the American Cancer Society, participating in events such as fashion shows and luncheons that raised awareness and funds for cancer research and support.[28] Drawing from her family's experiences with alcoholism—particularly her father's struggles—she delivered national lectures focused on prevention and recovery from the disease.[1][29] In addition to her advocacy, MacRae served on the board of Women in Film and held honorary chair positions with various foundations dedicated to supporting women in entertainment and broader social causes.[6][30] She co-produced educational television specials addressing social issues, including a notable program on surviving alcoholism.[1]Illness and death
In January 1999, after experiencing symptoms including vertigo and severe headaches for several months, Meredith MacRae collapsed while receiving a massage at a spa, leading to her diagnosis with brain cancer. She underwent emergency surgery on January 28 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to remove a tumor from the right side of her brain, performed by neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Black, and initially received an excellent prognosis.[31][23][2] MacRae attempted various treatments, including additional surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and experimental drugs, while striving to maintain privacy about her condition in the early stages. Her family provided emotional support, with her mother Sheila, sister Heather, and brothers singing Broadway tunes at her bedside post-surgery. She briefly referenced the support of her husband Phil Neal and daughter Allison during her illness. Despite the challenges, MacRae disclosed her diagnosis publicly in early 2000 and persisted with select professional projects.[31][13] MacRae died on July 14, 2000, at her home in Manhattan Beach, California, at age 56 from complications of brain cancer. At the time, funeral arrangements were pending, though per her wishes, no formal service was held; instead, her body was cremated, and her ashes were scattered at sea. Tributes highlighted her resilience, with publicist Sandy Pollock stating, "She really fought the good fight. She was a terrific woman, one of the best I’ve known." Industry peers and co-stars' families, including those connected to Edgar Buchanan from Petticoat Junction, expressed admiration for her spirit and contributions.[23][1][2]Filmography
Film
Meredith MacRae's feature film roles spanned from her childhood debut to independent productions in the 1990s, with a total of approximately nine credits, predominantly supporting or minor parts following her 1960s television breakthrough. Her early appearances in American International Pictures' beach party series highlighted her as a vibrant, bikini-clad supporting player, contributing to the genre's lighthearted, youth-oriented appeal during the early surf music era. Later in her career, she ventured into more varied genres, including science fiction, thriller, and black comedy, occasionally taking on lead or prominent roles that showcased her comedic timing and dramatic range. MacRae's film debut came as a child in the musical comedy By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953), where she appeared in an uncredited bit part as a little girl, working alongside her father, Gordon MacRae. This early exposure marked the start of her on-screen presence in Hollywood musicals. In 1963, she had a role as a beach girl in Beach Party, the inaugural entry in the popular beach party franchise directed by William Asher, which helped launch her image as a fun-loving, all-American ingenue amid the film's ensemble of surfers and singers. The following year, MacRae returned to the series in Bikini Beach (1964), playing the character Animal, a lively supporting role that further solidified her association with the youthful, beach-themed comedies starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. MacRae's next significant film role was as Kay, a receptionist, in the road comedy Norwood (1970), directed by Jack Haley Jr. and starring Glen Campbell, where she provided comic relief in a minor but memorable part amid the film's quirky ensemble of Southern characters. She appeared as Laura Kline in the thriller My Friends Need Killing (1976), a role in a story about a Vietnam veteran's crime spree.[32] In 1978, MacRae played dual roles as twins Lynn Forrester and Margaret Forrester in the horror thriller Sketches of a Strangler, portraying a teacher investigating murders.[33] After a period focused on television, MacRae took the lead role of Lara in the science fiction comedy Earthbound (1981), portraying an extraterrestrial woman adjusting to life on Earth in this family-oriented tale produced by Sunn Classics Pictures, marking one of her few starring cinematic turns.[34] One of her later feature film appearances was as Martha in the black comedy The Census Taker (1984), directed by Bruce R. Cook, where she played a key supporting character in the film's satirical take on suburban paranoia and accidental murder.[35] MacRae's final feature film role was as Cindy Mong in the action film China Heat (1992).[36]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 | By the Light of the Silvery Moon | Little girl (uncredited) | Childhood debut in musical comedy. |
| 1963 | Beach Party | Beach girl | Supporting in beach party franchise opener. |
| 1964 | Bikini Beach | Animal | Supporting in beach comedy sequel. |
| 1970 | Norwood | Kay (receptionist) | Comic supporting role in road movie. |
| 1976 | My Friends Need Killing | Laura Kline | Supporting in thriller. |
| 1978 | Sketches of a Strangler | Lynn Forrester / Margaret Forrester | Dual roles in horror thriller. |
| 1981 | Earthbound | Lara | Lead in sci-fi comedy. |
| 1984 | The Census Taker | Martha | Supporting in black comedy. |
| 1992 | China Heat | Cindy Mong | Supporting in action film. |