Reta Shaw

Reta Shaw was an American actor who is best known for her roles in Mary Poppins, The Ghost & Mrs. Muir, and The Pajama Game. She had a long career in film and television, recognized for her strong New England accent and heavyset figure.

Personal and Family Life

Born on September 13, 1912, in South Paris, Maine, Reta Shaw had a diverse career in the entertainment industry. She was married to William A. Forester from August 20, 1952, until their divorce in 1962, and they had one child together. Despite her on-screen presence, details about her early family life remain scarce.

Career Highlights

Shaw became well-known to television viewers as Hope Lange’s housekeeper in the series The Ghost & Mrs. Muir. She also appeared in the beloved Disney film Mary Poppins as Mrs. Brill. Although she was never a leading star, she was a reliable supporting actress in many classic films and theater productions.

Death and Legacy

Reta Shaw passed away on January 8, 1982, in Encino, California, due to emphysema. Her memorable performances left a lasting impression, and she is fondly remembered by fans of classic cinema and television.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Mary Poppins 1964-12-17 Mrs. Brill
Pollyanna 1960-05-19 Tillie Lagerlof
The Ghost & Mr. Chicken 1966-01-20 Mrs. Halcyon Maxwell
The Pajama Game 1957-08-29 Mabel
Picnic 1955-11-18 Irma Henderson
All Mine to Give 1957-11-13 Mrs. Runyon
The Lady Takes a Flyer 1958-01-30 Nurse Kennedy
Sanctuary 1961-04-18 Miss Reba
Bachelor in Paradise 1961-11-01 Mrs. Brown
Made in Paris 1966-02-09 American Bar Singer
Escape to Witch Mountain 1975-03-21 Mrs. Grindley
Murder Once Removed 1971-10-29 Nurse Regis
That Funny Feeling 1965-08-14 Woman at Phone Booth
The Loved One 1965-10-11 Manager of The Zomba Cafe
Meet Me in St. Louis 1959-04-26 Katey
Guess Who’s Sleeping in My Bed? 1973-10-31 Mrs. Guzmando
Annie Get Your Gun 1957-11-27 Dolly Tate
Man Afraid 1957-04-04 Nurse Willis
The Girl Who Came Gift-Wrapped 1974-01-29 Miss Markin
The Andy Griffith Show 1960-10-03 Eleanora Poultice
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis 1959-09-29
I Dream of Jeannie 1965-09-18 Annie
The Dick Van Dyke Show 1961-10-03
The Lucy Show 1962-10-01 Dora Dunbar
The F.B.I. 1965-09-19 Shoe Store Customer
Cannon 1971-09-14
Alfred Hitchcock Presents 1955-10-02 Martha Stone
Pete and Gladys 1960-09-19
The Ghost & Mrs. Muir 1968-09-21
Love on a Rooftop 1966-09-06
December Bride 1954-10-04
Here’s Lucy 1968-09-23 Mrs. Ryker
The Odd Couple 1970-09-24 Claire Foster
Lost in Space 1965-09-15 Aunt Clara Simms
Bewitched 1964-09-17 Bertha
Emergency! 1972-01-22
The Monkees 1966-09-12
The Tab Hunter Show 1960-09-18 Thelma
Outlaws 1960-09-26
The Real McCoys 1957-10-03
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre 1963-10-04
The Millionaire 1955-01-19 Margaret Dubrock
Thriller

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