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,[2] 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.[1] 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.[citation needed]
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.
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