Allyn Ann McLerie was a Canadian-American actress who is best known for her roles in “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?”, “The Way We Were”, and “Jeremiah Johnson”. She had a long and successful career in both film and theater.
Personal and Family Life
Allyn was born on December 1, 1926, in Grand-Mère, Québec, Canada, and later moved to Brooklyn, New York, where she was raised. She began her career in Broadway during the late 1940s. Allyn was married to actor George Gaynes for over 60 years until his death in 2016. Together, they had two children, Matthew and Iya Gaynes, and she continued to perform alongside Gaynes in TV appearances.
Career Highlights
McLerie was a talented actress, dancer, and singer, making her mark on Broadway before transitioning to film and television. She appeared in memorable films like “Calamity Jane” and “The Reivers”. In addition to her film roles, she guest-starred on several TV shows, including an episode of “Punky Brewster” in which she played the love interest of her husband, George Gaynes.
Death and Legacy
Allyn Ann McLerie passed away on May 21, 2018, in North Bend, Washington, at the age of 91, due to Alzheimer’s disease. She left behind a legacy of significant contributions to both Broadway and Hollywood, and she was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Way We Were | 1973-10-17 | Rhea Edwards |
| Born Innocent | 1974-09-10 | Emma Lasko |
| Jeremiah Johnson | 1972-09-10 | Crazy Woman |
| They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? | 1969-12-10 | Shirl |
| Calamity Jane | 1953-11-04 | Katie Brown |
| The Magnificent Seven Ride! | 1972-08-01 | Mrs. Donavan |
| Phantom of the Rue Morgue | 1954-03-27 | Yvonne (as Allyn McLerie) |
| Monte Walsh | 1970-10-02 | Mary Eagle |
| Cinderella Liberty | 1973-12-18 | Miss Watkins |
| Where’s Charley? | 1952-05-20 | Amy Spettigue (as Allyn McLerie) |
| The Desert Song | 1953-05-30 | Azuri |
| Living Proof: The Hank Williams Jr. Story | 1983-03-08 | Audrey Williams |
| France, société anonyme | 1974-06-04 | L’américaine |
| The Entertainer | 1976-03-10 | Mrs. Pasko |
| Rascals and Robbers: The Secret Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn | 1982-02-27 | Aunt Polly |
| The Reivers | 1969-12-20 | Alison |
| The Oldest Living Graduate | 1980-04-07 | Mrs. Hampton |
| Return Engagement | 1978-11-17 | Florence |
| To Find My Son | 1980-10-06 | Mrs. Braggs |
| A Shining Season | 1979-12-26 | Polly Baker |
| Someone I Touched | 1975-02-26 | Jean |
| Fantasies | 1982-01-18 | Shirley |
| Words and Music | 1948-12-31 | Singer in Garrick Gaeities |
| Battle Cry | 1955-02-02 | Ruby – Waitress in Diner |
| 40 Pounds of Trouble | 1962-12-31 | Blanchard’s Secretary |
| The Cowboys | 1972-01-13 | Ellen Price |
| Stranger in My Bed | 1987-01-12 | Shirley Hunter |
| And Baby Makes Six | 1979-10-22 | Dora Finley |
| Death Scream | 1975-09-26 | Alice Whitmore |
| Sister Terri | 1978-05-27 | Mother Superior Helen |
| A Tree Grows in Brooklyn | 1974-03-27 | Miss Martin |
| All the President’s Men | 1976-04-09 | Carolyn Abbott |
| The Shadow of a Gunman | 1972-12-04 | Mrs. Grigson |