"I Love Lucy" Actress Shirley Mitchell Dies at 94

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 11/14/13 at 9:09am

Shirley Mitchell, the comic actress who played Marion Strong, Lucy Ricardo's friend with the cackling laugh, on the TV classic I Love Lucy, has died. She was 94.

Mitchell, who is believed to be the last surviving adult castmember from the legendary CBS sitcom, died Nov. 11 of heart failure at her condominium in Westwood, her sister-in-law, the Oscar-nominated Sunset Blvd. actress Nancy Olson, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Mitchell joined the cast of Lucille Ball’s I Love Lucy for the 1953-54 season and appeared in three episodes. In one, “Lucy Tells the Truth,” Marion gets frank opinions about her new hat and her laugh during the girls’ weekly bridge game. (Lucy has bet Fred and Ethel Mertz $100 that she can go 24 hours without telling a lie.)

“Marion, stop cackling. I’ve been waiting 10 years for you to lay that egg!” Lucy says.

The Marion character, which was originated by Margie Liszt in the second season and appeared in one episode, set Lucy and Ricky (Desi Arnaz) up on their first date.


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[Jungle Red]

Posted: 11/14/13 at 1:42pm

She was only in three episodes? I expected more. She lying episode is one of my favorites.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 11/14/13 at 2:16pm

I was surprised to read about the 3 episodes as well. I remember that particular character so vividly.

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 11/14/13 at 2:34pm

I remember Lucy talking about Marion Strong all the time. Maybe that was it - Lucy mentioned her more frequently than she appeared?