I saw a post on Facebook recently about Lee Meriwether, who turned 91 a few days ago, and it reminded me of how she always seemed to be on television in the Comfort TV era, either as a series regular, a guest star, or as herself, helping contestants win cash and prizes on different game shows.
Her IMDB page lists more than 125 credits from every conceivable television genre. Casting directors clearly had her near the top of their lists for roles that required both beauty and brains, not just one or the other.
The best part of putting together these Top TV Moments features is spending a couple of evenings enjoying a marathon of one actor’s memorable work, thanks to DVDs and online streaming. What I discovered again in watching these performances is how naturally Meriwether adapted to the aesthetic of each series and role, from the broadest farce to the most sobering drama. What a pleasure it was to be in her virtual company.
Miss America Pageant (1954)
Few television debuts are as grand as that of Lee Ann Meriwether, who progressed from Miss San Francisco to Miss California, and then to Miss America, back when that title still meant something.
The Today Show (1955)
Following her year’s reign as Miss America, Lee joined The Today Show as the first official “Today Girl,” which mostly meant handling the lighter lifestyle features alongside host Dave Garroway. During her stint she was also studying acting and had already made her debut in an installment of The Philco Television Playhouse entitled “Middle of the Night.”
The Time Tunnel (1966)
Meriwether’s first recurring TV role was as “electrobiologist” Dr. Ann MacGregor in this troubled but impressive sci-fi series that, like all the Irwin Allen shows of the 1960s, still has a cult following. Saddled with bickering leads and huge cost overruns The Time Tunnel only lasted 30 episodes, but in that time, it delivered clever stories set in different historic eras, and some of the coolest sets viewers had likely ever seen - the glowing spiral tunnel itself still looks amazing.
Unfortunately, just as Allen’s Lost in Space was canceled before the Robinsons returned home, The Time Tunnel also disappeared with our two protagonists “lost in the swirling maze of past and future ages.”
Batman (1967)
Yes, she played Catwoman in the (disappointing) movie, but to me she was more memorable as socialite Lisa Carson, who was to be Bruce Wayne’s date before she was kidnapped by King Tut (“King Tut’s Coup/Batman’s Waterloo”). Batman foils Tut’s scheme to make Lisa his queen of the Nile.
Batman (1967)
Yes, she played Catwoman in the (disappointing) movie, but to me she was more memorable as socialite Lisa Carson, who was to be Bruce Wayne’s date before she was kidnapped by King Tut (“King Tut’s Coup/Batman’s Waterloo”). Batman foils Tut’s scheme to make Lisa his queen of the Nile.
The final scene has Lisa inviting Bruce into her apartment for some milk and cookies. It’s Meriwether at her most bewitching, so much so that even Bruce gives into temptation.
Family Affair (1967)
In “First Love” Meriwether plays Lise Lowell, a geologist working with Bill on a construction project. While Bill tries to mix business with pleasure, Buffy Is dealing with her first crush on an older boy. Since Family Affair often dealt in the harsh realities of life more than other sitcoms of its day, these would-be romances were doomed to fail. Buffy’s crush falls for Cissy instead, and Bill is shut down after learning Lise is already engaged.
Star Trek (1969)
“That Which Survives” has a reputation as a clunker only slightly above “Spock’s Brain” among Trekkers, but it’s a pleasant enough mystery and the crew does its best to make it work. Meriwether plays Losira, a woman who kills whomever she touches – finally, someone Kirk doesn’t try to bring back to his cabin.
My World and Welcome to It (1970)
With his wife and daughter out of town, John (William Windom) begins fantasizing about his sexy neighbor, Miss Bessinger (Meriwether). And on this series, John’s fantasies always come to life, albeit in unexpected ways. “The Middle Years” is one of the funnier episodes in this sadly short-lived series, and Meriwether seems to be having fun playing in its silly sandbox.
Barnaby Jones (1973)
Meriwether earned both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Barnaby’s daughter-in-law, Betty Jones.
Family Affair (1967)
In “First Love” Meriwether plays Lise Lowell, a geologist working with Bill on a construction project. While Bill tries to mix business with pleasure, Buffy Is dealing with her first crush on an older boy. Since Family Affair often dealt in the harsh realities of life more than other sitcoms of its day, these would-be romances were doomed to fail. Buffy’s crush falls for Cissy instead, and Bill is shut down after learning Lise is already engaged.
The episode’s final scene is one of those sublime moments that make this show so special. “It kind of hurts inside, doesn’t it?” Buffy asks. “Yeah,” Uncle Bill replies. “But you know, now that we can share the hurt, it doesn’t hurt so much.”
Mission: Impossible (1969)
When Barbara Bain departed this series along with Martin Landau after three seasons, the show opted against bringing in a full-time female replacement on the IMF team. The remaining cast members wanted Lee Meriwether, according to Patrick White’s book The Mission: Impossible Dossier, and she wanted the job as well. “Not getting that role was one of the biggest disappointments of my life,” she said. However, Meriwether did join the team for six episodes in season four, including “The Submarine,” arguably the season’s best outing.
Mission: Impossible (1969)
When Barbara Bain departed this series along with Martin Landau after three seasons, the show opted against bringing in a full-time female replacement on the IMF team. The remaining cast members wanted Lee Meriwether, according to Patrick White’s book The Mission: Impossible Dossier, and she wanted the job as well. “Not getting that role was one of the biggest disappointments of my life,” she said. However, Meriwether did join the team for six episodes in season four, including “The Submarine,” arguably the season’s best outing.
Star Trek (1969)
“That Which Survives” has a reputation as a clunker only slightly above “Spock’s Brain” among Trekkers, but it’s a pleasant enough mystery and the crew does its best to make it work. Meriwether plays Losira, a woman who kills whomever she touches – finally, someone Kirk doesn’t try to bring back to his cabin.
My World and Welcome to It (1970)
With his wife and daughter out of town, John (William Windom) begins fantasizing about his sexy neighbor, Miss Bessinger (Meriwether). And on this series, John’s fantasies always come to life, albeit in unexpected ways. “The Middle Years” is one of the funnier episodes in this sadly short-lived series, and Meriwether seems to be having fun playing in its silly sandbox.
Barnaby Jones (1973)
Meriwether earned both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Barnaby’s daughter-in-law, Betty Jones.
When Buddy Ebsen began cutting back on his workload in the show’s latter seasons, Betty and J.R. (Mark Shera) took on bigger roles in his cases, and the audience didn’t seem to find. The Quinn Martin detective shows of the ’70s are certainly prime Comfort TV, and viewers liked this one enough to keep it around for 178 episodes.
The $10,000 Pyramid (1974-1977)
Lee Meriwether was a frequent guest on several game shows, including Password, Match Game and Hollywood Squares. I’ve singled out the $10,000 Pyramid because she was a partner contestants knew would improve their odds in the winner’s circle.
The Munsters Today (1988)
It isn’t remembered much now, but this revival of the classic ‘60s series lasted three years and 73 episodes, so I guess that qualifies as a hit. Meriwether played Lily Munster opposite John Schuck as Herman. A game effort but best to stick with the original.
The $10,000 Pyramid (1974-1977)
Lee Meriwether was a frequent guest on several game shows, including Password, Match Game and Hollywood Squares. I’ve singled out the $10,000 Pyramid because she was a partner contestants knew would improve their odds in the winner’s circle.
The Munsters Today (1988)
It isn’t remembered much now, but this revival of the classic ‘60s series lasted three years and 73 episodes, so I guess that qualifies as a hit. Meriwether played Lily Munster opposite John Schuck as Herman. A game effort but best to stick with the original.
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