A Hollywood icon has passed away at age 97 but her bubbly attitude and many talents will be remembered forever. On May 5, 2019, the world said goodbye to the sweet Barbara Perry, an actress who spent plenty of screentime on some of your most beloved TV shows and movies.
Barbara’s Story
Perry was born on June 22, 1921, in Norfolk, Virginia. From a very young age, she was destined for the spotlight. While both her parents were talented acts, it wasn’t long before Perry found herself taking center stage. After Perry’s family made the big move to Hollywood, she pursued a career in dance before getting screentime.
In the early 1930s, movies quickly became her calling. Perry got her debut in the 1933 film, Counsellor at Law. Just two years later, she starred in Mystery of Edwin Drood. That was just the beginning as she had other roles in Tap (1989), Father of the Bride (1991), Just Write (1997), Mr. Woodcock (2007) and The Back-up Plan (2010).
The talented actress also spent time on Broadway for several different shows spanning from 1946 until 1981 including a solo show she wrote and performed titled Passionate Ladies.
From Broadway To Big Screen
But Perry can most notably be remembered for her many roles on TV. Some of her most memorable roles were on The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Hathaways, The Andy Griffith Show, Perry Mason, Bewitched, and Murphy Brown.
Most recently, she was seen playing Murphy Brown’s secretary, an advice-giving neighbor in How I Met Your Mother and a gift shop employee on FX’s Baskets.
Perry passed away Sunday morning of natural causes in Los Angeles. May her memory live on for decades to come. Rest in peace.