Peggy Rea, a matronly actress who had supporting roles on popular television series from the 1970s to the ’90s, died on Saturday at her home in Toluca Lake, Calif. She was 89.
The cause was complications of heart failure, Kimmie Burks, a friend, said.
Ms. Rea played Rose Burton, Olivia Walton’s cousin, on “The Waltons”; Lulu Hogg, Boss Hogg’s wife, on “The Dukes of Hazzard”; and Jean Kelly, the mother-in-law of Brett Butler’s character, on “Grace Under Fire.” Ms. Rea’s first role on television was as a nurse on “I Love Lucy” in 1953. She also appeared on “All in the Family,” “Step by Step” and “Gunsmoke,” among other shows.
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Peggy Jane Rea was born March 31, 1921, in Los Angeles. She left the University of California, Los Angeles, to attend business school, then took a job as a production secretary at MGM.
In 1947 she moved to New York to act on stage. She appeared on Broadway twice in 1950: as Eunice Hubbell in a revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire” and in the Cole Porter musical “Out of This World.” She gave up acting for a time and worked as a production secretary on “Gunsmoke” and other television shows in Los Angeles.
Ms. Rea returned to acting full time in 1962. Her film credits include parts in “7 Faces of Dr. Lao” (1964) and “In Country” (1989).
Ms. Burks said no immediate family members survive.
A version of this article appears in print on , Section
As an expert in television history and entertainment, I can attest to the significance of Peggy Rea's contributions to the world of television. With a career spanning from the 1950s to the '90s, Peggy Rea showcased her versatile talent through a multitude of supporting roles in popular TV series, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
One of her notable roles was as Rose Burton, Olivia Walton's cousin, in the iconic series "The Waltons." This portrayal demonstrated Rea's ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters, contributing to the show's success. Additionally, her role as Lulu Hogg, Boss Hogg's wife, in "The Dukes of Hazzard" showcased her comedic prowess and added a memorable dimension to the series.
Peggy Rea's versatility extended to her role as Jean Kelly, the mother-in-law of Brett Butler's character, on "Grace Under Fire." This role further highlighted her ability to adapt to different genres and work alongside diverse cast members.
Notably, her first foray into television was in 1953 as a nurse on the classic show "I Love Lucy," illustrating her enduring presence in the television landscape. Over the years, Rea's talent graced other well-known series such as "All in the Family," "Step by Step," and the long-running western "Gunsmoke."
Born on March 31, 1921, in Los Angeles, Peggy Rea initially ventured into the entertainment industry by working as a production secretary at MGM after leaving the University of California, Los Angeles. Despite taking a hiatus from acting, during which she worked behind the scenes on shows like "Gunsmoke," Rea returned to acting full time in 1962, demonstrating her passion and commitment to the craft.
Her Broadway appearances in 1950, including roles in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and Cole Porter's "Out of This World," showcased her theatrical talents. Notably, her film credits include roles in "7 Faces of Dr. Lao" (1964) and "In Country" (1989), further emphasizing her diverse contributions to the entertainment industry.
Peggy Rea's passing at the age of 89, as reported on February 11, 2011, marked the end of an era in television. Her legacy lives on through the countless hours of entertainment she provided and the indomitable spirit she brought to her characters. The article in The New York Times serves as a testament to her enduring impact, highlighting her roles and the warmth she brought to audiences over the decades.
Matronly character actress Peggy Rea, best known for her work of “The Waltons,” “The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Grace Under Fire,” died in Toluca Lake, Calif., on Feb. 5 of complications from congestive heart failure. She was 89.
Actress Peggy Rea, whose notable TV roles included Lulu Hogg on "The Dukes of Hazzard" and Rose Burton on "The Waltons," has died. She was 89. Rea's decades-long career in television included appearances in numerous shows ranging from "I Love Lucy" to "All in the Family" to "MacGyver."
But CBS gave an unexpected go-ahead and renewed the show for a Season 9 run. However, there was one caveat: The producers had to tighten the budget — and they needed to appeal to a younger audience. With this, Ralph was let go from the show, given he was one of the older cast members, and likely a touch more expensive.
Learned left because of the grueling nature of the television shooting schedule. According to an Associated Press interview, she decided after she finished The Waltons that she was done with working in television. However, just two years after her departure, she joined the cast of a new series, entitled, Nurse.
The actors playing Ben and Cindy Walton both happily married but still became inseparable. One of the earliest appearances of Cindy Brunson Walton comes in one of the most emotional episodes of The Waltons, an episode called "Founders' Day."
Many young actors would give anything to have a lead role on a hit TV show. But Richard Thomas, who spent five seasons playing John-Boy Walton on CBS's The Waltons, feared that sticking with the show would eventually do his career more harm than good.
Heirs include Sam's three living children--Rob, Jim and Alice--his daughter-in-law Christy and her son Lukas, plus Bud's two daughters, Ann and Nancy. Rob Walton served as chairman for more than two decades and remains on the board, alongside current chairman Greg Penner, his son-in-law, and Rob's nephew Steuart.
The tot made an appearance in the 1982 spinoff film Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain. In the fourth TV film, A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion, Ginny did not appear at all. Instead, Ben and Cindy's characters made a brief mention that Ginny had died two years prior.
All In The Family lived on in Archie Bunker's Place. But Edith did not. When Stapleton decided to move on after season nine, CBS requested that O'Connor continue without her. Lear agreed, on the condition that they change the show's name.
Jean Stapleton, who played Edith Bunker, wanted off the show. It was as simple as that. Edith actually died after the program had become "Archie Bunker's Place." It wasn't still "All in the Family" at that point.
After the seventh season she left the show. Her character's abrupt disappearance in Season 7 was explained by Olivia developing tuberculosis and entering a sanatorium in Arizona. She returned in Season 8 and later appeared in four of the six Waltons reunion movies made during the 1980s and 1990s.
After the seventh season she left the show. Her character's abrupt disappearance in Season 7 was explained by Olivia developing tuberculosis and entering a sanatorium in Arizona. She returned in Season 8 and later appeared in four of the six Waltons reunion movies made during the 1980s and 1990s.
Rose Burton is Olivia's cousin, and when she arrives on the show, Olivia is still in the picture, but after "The Waiting," the actor playing Olivia, Michael Learned, famously left The Waltons.
Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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