Alice Ghostley "Esmeralda" dies at 81

[~sudsshane]

The beloved "Bewitched" star passed away Friday after a long battle with colon cancer. She filled the gap on "Bewitched" after the death of Marion Lorne "Aunt Clara" in 1968.

With the death of Ghostley, that leaves Bernard Fox, "Dr Bombay" the sole remaining adult actor from the series run.

of course Erin Murphy and David Lawrence, "Tabatha" and "Adam" are still with us as well.

 

[~sudsshane]

you will be missed!

RIP

 

[63getelevision]

I must have posted my notice about Alice when you did. If mine doesn't come through, no biggie. It's a shame she's gone, and I can't help but notice it was the same thing that killed Elizabeth Montgomery. What a loss!

 

[~sudsshane]

some "Bewitched" trivia

Originally, before landing the role of wacky witch "Esmeralda"( 1969-72), Alice Ghostley was offered the role of nosy neighbor "Gladys Kravitz" after the death of Alice Pearce. Because she was a good friend of Pearce, she declined the role and it eventually went to actress Sandra Gould.

 

[maggie~hamilton]

Ohhhhhhhhhh

I loved Alice Ghostley. Did not hear she had died. People used to call her the "female Paul Lynde" - or thought they were related - because her mannerisms and voice were so much like his.

http://home.columbus.rr.com/paullynde/ghostley.htm

 

[~sudsshane]

actually it is a bit odd that nearly the entire cast

has died of cancer at some point.

Elizabeth Montgomery- d.1995
Dick Sargent- d.1994
Dick York- d.1992
Alice Pearce- d.1966
George Tobias- d.1980
Agnes Moorehead- d.1973
Irene Vernon- (first Louise Tate)- d.1998

a bit odd isn't it?

 

[63getelevision]

Supposedly Paul Lynde "stole" Alice Ghostley's schtick with that voice. I think they're equally as funny. Great trivia, Sudsshane, one could hardly blame her for not taking the place of a deceased friend. I believe 1967 is the year Alice Pearce died.

 

[~sudsshane]

actually...

Alice Pearce passed away on March 3, 1966 from Ovarian Cancer. If any of you have the DVD from the 2nd season, you can clearly see Alice was very sick. She worked up right to the end of her life and never once told any cast members she was terminally ill.

 

[63getelevision]

Kasey Rogers (second Louise Tate) passed away in 2006, had been battling throat cancer, went into cardiac arrest, and had a stroke. The stroke killed her.

 

[63getelevision]

Oops, I don't know how I got 1967 stuck in my head.

 

[~sudsshane]

correct..

Hi Alan. that is true about Kasey Rogers, the second Louise Tate. It is odd isn't it that so many cast members from that show had cancer or died from it. What a dreadful disease!

 

[63getelevision]

David White(Larry Tate)died in November, 1990 of a heart attack. His son died in the airliner bombing over Locherbie, Scotland.

 

[irishwashguy]

I found all of the info on the cast of Bewitched right here

just look through the directory for Eleisabeth Mongomery. They have all of the cast and even things that you were afraid to ask, but will find out anyway. Rest in Peace Allice, you know you were Fabulous!!

Findadeath - Celebrity Deaths: Findadeath

Paul Reubens Dies: The Death of Pee-Wee Herman August 27, 1952 – July 30, 2023 Paul Reubens Dies: The Death

findadeath.com

 

[launderess]

OMG!

Was just watching "Designing Women" the other night and cracking up to "Bernice". Thank you Miss. Ghostley for many years of laughter and joy, may you take your well deserved rest in peace.

L.

 

[launderess]

Both Elizabeth Montgomery and Alice Ghostley died of the same form of cancer. How very "errie" for a show dealing with the supernatural.

Just yet another reason to have regular bowel exams, especially as one reaches/passes middle age. Look how that poor White House press secretary is faring.

L.

 

[launderess]

Following is a link to the New York Times article on Miss. Ghostley. Kaye Ballard gives some information

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/22/arts/television/22ghostley.html?ref=television

 

[decodriveboy]

She certainly was very funny. I love Bewitched, but I was definitely more familiar with "Bernice" from Designing Women (I'm 29 years old).

 

[decodriveboy]

She certainly was very funny. I love Bewitched, but I was definitely more familiar with "Bernice" from Designing Women (I'm 29 years old).

 

[launderess]

Black man, Black Man.....

Always think of "Bernice" singing that song on DW, in her own off-beat way. She was like the old spinster aunt in every Southern family, who everyone thinks is just one sandwich short of a picnic basket; but in reality they are wiser than many of us.

Best skit was when Bernice's daugher (or was it niece) wanted to have her committed because amoung other things she keeps referring to the woman's two boys as the "two Dicks".

Personally think much of Miss. Ghostley's best work on televison came after Bewitched, which only used her off and on and not much screen time.

Trivia Question:

Like Paul Lynde before he became "Uncle Arthur", Miss. Ghostley made her appearance on Bewitched in another role; anyone care to guess?

L.