Melba Rae
Melba Rae Toombs, known professionally as Melba Rae (October 7, 1917 in Willard, Utah – December 30, 1971 in Manhattan, was an American soap opera actress.
Melba Rae | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 7, 1917[1] |
| Died | December 30, 1971 (aged 54) Manhattan, New York City |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Spouse(s) | Gilbert Shawn (1955-1971) |
Career
Rae was a key figure in early daytime television, playing the wife of the couple next door on Search for Tomorrow for 20 years — from its inception in 1951 until her untimely death of a cerebral hemorrhage at New York Hospital. Her character, Marge Bergman, was best friends with the main character of the series, Joanne (played by Mary Stuart).
Personal life
Rae, a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [2] was married to Gilbert Shawn (1921 — 2005) from September 2, 1955 until her death. The couple had a son and daughter. Their son, Eric Shawn, became a reporter for Fox News Channel. Gilbert Shawn moved to Orlando, Florida later in life, where he died at the age of 84.[3]