Fintan Meyler Explained

Fintan Meyler
Birth Name:Gertrude Anne Meyler
Birth Date:14 December 1929
Birth Place:Wexford, Ireland
Death Place:San Jose, California, U.S.
Occupation:Actress
Years Active:1957 - 1973
Children:2

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

Her early education came at a convent in Dublin, 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. 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.

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

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

Notes and References

  1. Book: Lentz. Harris M. III. Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2005: Film, Television, Radio, Theatre, Dance, Music, Cartoons and Pop Culture. 2006. McFarland. 9780786452101. 6 November 2017. en.
  2. Book: Weaver. Tom. A Sci-Fi Swarm and Horror Horde: Interviews with 62 Filmmakers. 2012. McFarland. 9780786458318. 66–69. 6 November 2017. en.
  3. News: Fintan Meyler. Albuquerque Journal. 29 May 1956. New Mexico, Albuquerque. 8. Newspapers.com. 5 November 2017.