Laura Shelton was an American actress best known for her roles in “Death Valley Days,” “My Favorite Martian,” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
Personal and Family Life
Born Carol Jean Ready Shelton on September 5, 1935, in Eastland, Texas, Laura spent much of her early life in El Paso, Texas. She graduated from Austin High School in 1953 and was briefly married to Frank Grimmer during her time at Texas Western College. After her first marriage, she won a contest that helped her get a scholarship to the Pasadena Playhouse School of Theatre, where she later met Carl Monson, whom she married in 1961.
Career
Laura worked in theater and television throughout the 1960s, adopting the stage name Laura Shelton. Together with her husband, she founded the Curtain Call Theater in North Hollywood in 1964, which featured professional actors. While raising her two children, Clay (born 1964) and Cristen (born 1969), she focused on her acting career, appearing in various popular television series.
Death and Legacy
Laura Shelton passed away on May 15, 2008, in El Paso, Texas, due to Crohn’s disease. Her contributions to theater and television remain appreciated, particularly her role in popular TV shows during the 1960s. Laura’s legacy is carried on through her family and the works she left behind.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Death Valley Days | 1961–1964 | Emmy Johnson |
| My Favorite Martian | 1963 | Marsha Carson |
| The Beverly Hillbillies | 1963 | Secretary |
| FBI Code 98 | 1963 | Anita Davidson |
| The Detectives | 1961 | Nancy / Florence / Darlene |
| Miami Undercover | 1961 | Mona |
| Harrigan and Son | 1961 | Fern Williams |
| Zane Grey Theatre | 1961 | Marie |
| Have Gun – Will Travel | 1961 | Samantha |
| Wagon Train | 1960 | Chris (uncredited) |