Doris Packer was an American actor who is best known for her roles as Clarissa Osborne on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Principal Mrs. Cornelia Rayburn on Leave It to Beaver, and her work in various Broadway productions. Her distinctive voice and character portrayals made her a familiar face in the entertainment industry.
Personal and Family Life
Doris Packer was born on May 30, 1904, in Menominee, Michigan, but her family moved to Southern California when she was young. She showed an early interest in acting, participating in high school plays and later studying drama at UCLA. Packer moved to New York to pursue a career in theater and married stage director Rowland G. Edwards on September 29, 1934.
Career Highlights
Doris had a successful career on Broadway, participating in shows like “Back Fire” and “Elizabeth the Queen.” She also worked in radio, becoming well-known for her roles on programs like “Henry Aldrich.” After her husband passed away in 1953, she transitioned to television and film, easily finding her niche as a comedic actress.
Death and Legacy
Doris Packer passed away due to natural causes on March 31, 1979, in Glendale, California, at the age of 74. Despite not having a leading role in a major series, her performances in various sitcoms and shows have left a lasting impression, especially in her memorable roles as stern authority figures.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Teen-Age Crime Wave | 1955-11-01 | Judge |
| Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation | 1962-06-15 | Dance Emcee |
| Anything Goes | 1956-04-27 | Lady in Audience at Imperial Theatre |
| Bon Voyage! | 1962-05-17 | Mrs. Henderson |
| Shampoo | 1975-02-11 | Rozalind |
| Meet Me at the Fair | 1953-01-01 | Mrs. Swaile |
| The Perils of Pauline | 1967-08-02 | Mrs. Carruthers |
| Paradise, Hawaiian Style | 1966-04-23 | Mrs. Barrington |
| Leave It to Beaver | 1957-10-04 | Mrs. Cornelia Rayburn |
| The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis | 1959-09-29 | Mrs. Chatsworth Osborne, Sr. |