Her first professional job was as a model in a Polaroid ad and she continued in commercials appearing as the 'Dodge Lady' in a series of TV commercials in the 1960s. In 1967 she made her film debut in an unbilled part in "Fitzwilly" with Dick Van Dyke and a cast of wonderful character actors, many of whom appear on these pages. Her film credits also include: "Gaily, Gaily" (1969) as Grandma Harvey; "In Name Only" as Granny; "Dr. Max" (1974) as Mrs. Kredenza; "Crazy Mama" (1975) as Bertha; "Fatso" (1980) with Dom DeLuise as Mrs. Maluch and "Going Ape" (1981) as Binocular Lady. Like Judith Lowry, she was a favorite guest of Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show." She was also a regular on the TV series: "The Jerry Reed When You're Hot You're Hot Hour" (1972) and "The Waltons" (1972-79) as Maude Gormley. Merie (pronounced: Marie) also appeared in the made for TV movie "The Last of the Good Guys" (1978). She guest starred on many series including: "Petticoat Junction"; "Hey Landlord"; "Green Acres"; "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Bewitched." She died on November 4, 1984 of uremic poisoning in Glendale, California.
Reply With Quote