Sheila MacRae was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Backfire, Caged, and The Honeymooners. She was born on September 24, 1921, in London, England, and passed away on March 6, 2014, in Englewood, New Jersey.
Personal and Family Life
Sheila MacRae was born as Sheila Margaret Stephens and became a U.S. citizen in March 1959. She was married to Gordon MacRae from May 21, 1941, until their divorce in April 1967, and had four children together, including actresses Meredith and Heather MacRae. Later, she married Ronald Wayne in July 1967, but they divorced in July 1975.
Career Highlights
Sheila was known not only for her acting but also as a popular nightclub entertainer and impressionist. In the 1960s, she took over the role of Alice Kramden from Audrey Meadows in the classic sketch series The Honeymooners, where her comedic talent shone. She was also romantically linked to famous singer Frank Sinatra at one point in her life.
Death and Legacy
Sheila MacRae passed away on March 6, 2014, at the age of 92. Her contributions to film and television, especially her work on The Honeymooners, continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans of classic television. She left behind a rich legacy through her performances and her family, which includes her talented daughters.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Backfire | 1950-01-26 | Bonnie Willis |
| Caged | 1950-05-19 | Helen |
| How to Stuff a Wild Bikini | 1965-07-14 | Secretary |
| Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul | 1993-05-14 | Herself |
| The Secret War of Jackie’s Girls | 1980-11-29 | Phyllis |
| Pretty Baby | 1950-09-16 | Peggy |
| A Star Is Born World Premiere | 1954-09-28 | Self |
| Goldie and the Boxer Go to Hollywood | 1981-02-19 | Cuddles |
| The Naked Cage | 1986-03-01 | Bank Teller |
| Jackie Gleason: The Great One | 1988-09-10 | Self / Alice Kramden (archive footage) |
| I Love Lucy | 1951-10-15 | Sheila MacRae |
| Lux Video Theatre | 1950-10-02 | Virginia Brush |
| The Dinah Shore Chevy Show | 1956-10-05 | Self |
| Murder, She Wrote | 1984-09-30 | Susan Wells |
| Parenthood | 1990-08-20 | |
| The Love Boat | 1977-09-24 | Helen Taylor |
| The Dick Cavett Show | 1968-06-06 | Self – Guest |
| The Jackie Gleason Show | 1966-09-17 | Alice Kramden |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Musical Comedy Duo |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Mystery Guest |
| The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts | 1973-09-14 | Self |
| The Bell Telephone Hour | 1959-01-12 | Self |