Fintan Meyler

Fintan Meyler
Meyler in an episode of One Step Beyond (1959)
Born
Gertrude Anne Meyler

(1929-12-14)14 December 1929
Died23 July 2005(2005-07-23) (aged 75)
OccupationActress
Years active1957–1973
Spouses
  • Paul Cary Fisher
    (m. 1974; div. 1975)
  • Robert Wolcott Champion
    (m. 1960; div. 1972)
Children2

Fintan Meyler (born Gertrude Anne Meyler; 14 December 1929 – 23 July 2005) was an Irish-American actress on stage, on television, and in films.[1] Meyler was one of seven children.[2]

Biography

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Her early education came at a convent in Dublin,[2] before she began studying acting at the Gate Theatre in Dublin. She was chosen Miss Ireland in 1950,[3] which led to her coming to the United States.[1] Meyler never left. Eventually, she made her way to California. Her first TV role was on Matinee Theater. Under the name Fintan Meyler, she starred in over 30 different TV shows. She portrayed memorable characters in shows, such as The Donna Reed Show, Perry Mason, Bonanza, The Rebel, Have Gun - Will Travel and Gunsmoke. In the 1959 Perry Mason episode "The Case of the Howling Dog", she played Thelma Brent.[citation needed]

Perhaps best known among her film roles was the "Hysterical Woman" in Zero Hour! in a scene that was memorably spoofed 22 years later in Airplane!, then with Lee Bryant in the part.

She strongly resembled Shirley Jones, only brunette.

She died of cancer in San Jose, California.[1]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1957 The Abductors Citizens of Springfield and Chicago
1957 Zero Hour! Hysterical Woman
1958 Showdown at Boot Hill Sally Crane
1960 "Gunsmoke" Jeanne

References

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  1. ^ a b c Lentz, Harris M. III (2006). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2005: Film, Television, Radio, Theatre, Dance, Music, Cartoons and Pop Culture. McFarland. ISBN 9780786452101. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  2. ^ a b Weaver, Tom (2012). A Sci-Fi Swarm and Horror Horde: Interviews with 62 Filmmakers. McFarland. pp. 66–69. ISBN 9780786458318. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  3. ^ "Fintan Meyler". Albuquerque Journal. New Mexico, Albuquerque. 29 May 1956. p. 8. Retrieved 5 November 2017 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
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