Last Surviving Adult I Love Lucy Cast Member Shirley Mitchell Dies at 94
Shirley Mitchell, who is believed to have been the last surviving adult cast member of I Love Lucy, has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She was 94.
The actress died of heart failure on Monday at her condominium in Westwood, Calif., her sister-in-law Nancy Olson told the magazine.
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Mitchell played Lucy Ricardo's (Lucille Ball) pal Marion, who had a distinctive, signature cackling laugh. The comedic actress joined the CBS sitcom in 1953 and recurred in three episodes. She had taken over for Margie Liszt, who originated the character in Season 2.
An Ohio native, Mitchell started her career in radio, appearing on Fibber McGee and Molly, The Great Gildersleeve and other programs. Besides I Love Lucy, her TV credits include The Beverly Hillbillies, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Petticoat Junction, The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, Three's Company and the original Dallas, to name a few. On the big screen, her films include Desk Set, Big Business and The War of the Roses. Mitchell's showbiz career spanned more than seven decades.
Mitchell had two children -- Scott and Brooke -- with first husband Julian Frieden. In 1992, she married "Que Sera Sera" songwriter Jay Livingston, who died in 2001.
Mitchell is survived by her two children and Olson.
