Biography

She played the mother of her real-life son John Asher in Weird Science (1994).

Attended The Solebury School in New Hope, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1955 in the same class as her first husband, actor James MacArthur.

Ex-mother-in-law of actress Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg.

Children with James MacArthur: Charles and Mary.

Ex-daughter-in-law of Helen Hayes.

My greatest success, I feel, has been the ability to make people laugh, even at my own expense and using that gift to help raise funds for children's charities.

[on filming in The Happiest Millionaire (1967), and personal involvement from Walt Disney] The day that I had to record my number, he came down from his office and walked me over to the studio where we were going to record, and I was so nervous. He put his arm around me and he said, "Little lady, I have big plans for you." And then he died, that was his last movie.

[on when she knew she wanted to become an actress] Since I was a little girl. The only two things I ever wanted to do were to be an actress or a nurse. When you are an actress you get to be all kinds of characters. I did volunteer in the emergency room as a patient advocate. Aren't I lucky... I have been able to follow all my dreams!

I was an apprentice in a professional summer stock theatre company for three years. I was just 14 years old when I started. I learned so much, lighting, sound, props, and played small roles. After high school I went straight to NYC to study at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Happiness is a choice and acceptance of who and what you are. YOU have the ability to control your emotions and choose a positive mindset.

[on her favorite memory from her involvement with The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970)] The day they called and asked me if I could come in for a table reading, they said, "We need you this week." I said, "Too bad. I'm in the labor room giving birth. That's my fondest memory. Having [my son] John Asher.