Ann Morgan Guilbert was an American actress known for her unforgettable roles on TV, stage, and film. From her iconic portrayal of Millie Helper on ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ to her lovable character Yetta Rosenberg on ‘The Nanny’, Guilbert left a lasting impact on audiences with her comedic talent. In addition to her successful television career, she also showcased her skills on Broadway, delivering stellar performances in productions such as ‘The Billy Barnes Revue’ and ‘A Naked Girl on the Appian Way’. Although she appeared in only a few movies, Guilbert’s performances in films like ‘The Man from the Diners’ Club’ and ‘One Man’s Way’ were memorable. Her talent was recognized with the prestigious ‘Robert Altman Award’ for her scene-stealing role in the dark comedy ‘Please Give’. Guilbert’s legacy as a versatile and talented actress continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Ann Guilbert
- Died At Age: 87
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: George Eckstein (m. 1951–1966, Guy Raymond (m. 1969–1997)
- Father: Dr. Gerald Guilbert
- Mother: Cornelia
- Children: Hallie Todd, Nora Eckstein
- Height: 5’1″ (155 cm), 5’1″ Females
- Died on: June 14, 2016
- Place of death: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Cause of Death: Cancer
- City: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- U.S. State: Minnesota
- More Facts:
- Education: Stanford University
Career
If Ann Morgan Guilbert had managed to follow in her physician father’s footsteps, she would have joined his profession to become a nurse after graduating from Stanford University. However, she found the curriculum too difficult and instead landed a role in the stage production of ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ at the university. This experience ignited her passion for acting, and she graduated from Stanford with a major in speech and drama.
After graduating, Guilbert moved to Los Angeles with her future husband, George Eckstein, who was a writer and producer. She landed a role in the off-Broadway production of ‘The Billy Barnes Revue’, which George produced in 1959. The play eventually made its way to Broadway.
During her Broadway performance, Guilbert caught the attention of writer-producer Carl Reiner, who cast her in the sitcom ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’. The show ran from 1961 to 1966, and Guilbert played the stereotypical next-door neighbor of Dick Van Dyke’s character. Her portrayal made her a beloved figure in American TV.
Guilbert also made a name for herself in movies, delivering great performances in films such as ‘Two for the Seesaw’ (1962), ‘The Man From Diner’s Club’ (1963), and ‘One Man’s Way’ (1964).
In the following years, Guilbert became a familiar face on TV, appearing on series like ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ (1967), ‘Adam-12’ (1968), and ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ (1969). Her wit and comic timing brought a new dimension to every role she played.
Guilbert received particular praise for her work on the TV series ‘Dragnet 1967’ (1967, 1970). She also had a major role as Nora in ‘The New Andy Griffith Show’ (1971), although the show was not well-received and ended after only 10 episodes.
She continued to appear on popular TV series like ‘Love American Style’ (1970 – 1971) and ‘Emergency!’ (1972 – 1974). In 1991, she earned praise for her role as Theresa Fanelli in the sitcom ‘The Fanelli Boys’. She also showcased her versatility by portraying Myriam Wambaugh in the crime-drama series ‘Picket Fences’ (1992 – 1994).
Comedy remained Guilbert’s forte throughout her career, and she never regretted being cast in sitcoms. Her portrayal of Yetta Rosenberg in the popular sitcom ‘The Nanny’ (1993 – 1999) brought her back into the limelight. In 2010, she gave a memorable performance in the dark comedy film ‘Please Give’.
Even in her later years, Guilbert continued to work in the industry. At the age of 84, she was cast in the recurring role of Birdy Lamb on the show ‘Getting On’ (2013 – 2015). After her death, an entire episode of the TV series ‘Life in Pieces’ (2016) was dedicated to her, highlighting the respect she received from the industry. In the show, she played the character of GiGi.
Personal Life
Ann Morgan Guilbert was born on October 16, 1928, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. Her parents were Dr. Gerald Guilbert, a physician, and Cornelia Guilbert. She graduated from Solomon Juneau High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1946. Guilbert enrolled in Stanford University, where she met her future husband, George Eckstein. They got married in 1951 and divorced in 1966. Together, they had two children, Nora Eckstein and Hallie Jane Eckstein.
Guilbert later married Guy Raymond on September 8, 1969. Raymond passed away on January 26, 1997. Ann Morgan Guilbert died from pancreatic cancer on June 14, 2016.
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