Brett Somers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brett Somers
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| Born |
Audrey Dawn Johnston
July 11, 1924 Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada
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| Died | September 15, 2007 (aged 83) Westport, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Other names | Brett Somers Klugman, Audrey Klugman, Dawn Johnston |
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| Years active | 1955–2007 |
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| Children | 3, including Adam Klugman |
Brett Somers (born Audrey Dawn Johnston; July 11, 1924 – September 15, 2007) was a talented Canadian-American actress, comedian, and singer. She was most famous for being a panelist on the popular 1970s game show Match Game. She also played Blanche Madison, the ex-wife of Oscar Madison, on the TV show The Odd Couple. Her real-life husband, Jack Klugman, played Oscar Madison.
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About Brett Somers
Her Early Life
Brett Somers was born Audrey Dawn Johnston in Halcomb, Canada, on July 11, 1924. She grew up near Portland, Maine, in the United States. When she was 18, she moved to New York City to become an actress. She settled in Greenwich Village, a famous neighborhood in the city.
She chose her first name, Brett, from a character in a book by Ernest Hemingway. Her last name, Somers, was her mother's maiden name. She became a U.S. citizen later in her life.
Becoming an Actress
Brett Somers joined the Actors Studio in 1952. This was a special place where actors could learn and practice their craft. She started her career in theater, performing in plays.
She also appeared in many early television shows. These included dramatic programs like The Philco Television Playhouse and Playhouse 90. Her first Broadway play was Maybe Tuesday. She also acted in films such as A Rage to Live.
Starring on TV
Brett Somers appeared in many popular TV shows. She was seen in Love, American Style, The Love Boat, and Barney Miller. In 1973, she played Aunt Rose on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
She had a regular role on the ABC sitcom The Odd Couple. She played Blanche, the ex-wife of Oscar Madison. Oscar was played by her real-life husband, Jack Klugman. In 1978, she appeared in the science-fiction series Battlestar Galactica.
The Famous Match Game
Brett Somers is best remembered for her time on the CBS game show Match Game. This show was very popular in the 1970s. She was a regular panelist, meaning she appeared on the show often.
She usually sat in the middle seat of the top row. She often sat next to Charles Nelson Reilly, another famous panelist. The show was known for its funny and sometimes silly questions and answers. Brett Somers was known for her large eyeglasses and different wigs.
She often joked with other panelists like Charles Nelson Reilly and Betty White. She was left-handed and always wrote her answers with her left hand.
Brett Somers was not originally planned for the show. But her husband, Jack Klugman, insisted that the producers invite her. She became a regular and stayed on the show for its entire nine-year run. Her appearances made her a well-known TV personality.
Later Years
In 2002, Brett Somers reunited with Charles Nelson Reilly and Betty White for a Match Game special. This was shown on The Early Show. She also appeared on Hollywood Squares that same year.
She performed in a cabaret show called An Evening with Brett Somers in 2003 and 2004. She also appeared in a TV special about 1950s pop music. In 2006, she was featured in a documentary about Match Game.
Brett Somers passed away on September 15, 2007, at her home in Westport, Connecticut. She was 83 years old. After her death, the GSN channel showed a tribute to her. They played many of her memorable Match Game appearances.
