Gretchen Wyler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gretchen Wyler
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Wyler in 1977
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| Born |
Gretchen Patricia Wienecke
February 16, 1932 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
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| Died | May 27, 2007 (aged 75) Camarillo, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actress & Dancer |
| Years active | 1950–2002 |
| Spouse(s) |
Shepard Coleman
(m. 1956; div. 1968) |
Gretchen Wyler (born Gretchen Patricia Wienecke; February 16, 1932 – May 27, 2007) was an American actress and dancer. She was also a strong supporter of animal rights. She started the Genesis Awards to honor people who help protect animals.
Contents
About Gretchen Wyler
Early Life and Dreams
Gretchen Patricia Wienecke was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her mother was Peggy Highley, and her father, Louis Gustave Wienecke, was an engineer. Gretchen grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She even opened her own dance school there. Later, she moved to New York City to become a professional actress and dancer.
Her Acting Career
Gretchen Wyler performed in many shows on Broadway. These are big theater productions in New York City. She was in six original Broadway shows:
- Guys and Dolls (1950–1953) as a dancer
- Silk Stockings (1955–1956) as Janice Dayton
- Rumple (1957) as Kate Drew
- Bye Bye Birdie (1960–1961) as Rose Grant
- Sly Fox (1976–1978) as Miss Fancy
She also performed at the 1964 World's Fair. Later, she moved to Hollywood to act in movies and TV shows. She co-starred in the TV show On Our Own. Gretchen also appeared in many other popular TV programs. Some of these include Charlie's Angels, Dallas, Friends, and MacGyver. Her last TV appearance was on Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Gretchen also appeared in a documentary film called Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There (2004). In the film, she shared stories about her passion for theater.
Helping Animals
In 1966, Gretchen Wyler started working for animal rights. This happened after she visited a dog shelter that was not in good condition. In 1971, she became the first woman to join the board of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). She later had disagreements with the board.
Gretchen believed that animals should be free to move naturally. She also did not support animal testing. In 1969, she became a vegetarian because she cared deeply about animals.
In 1991, she started The Ark Trust. This organization created the annual Genesis Awards. These awards celebrate people in entertainment who raise awareness about animal protection. Today, the Genesis Awards are part of The Humane Society of the United States. In 2005, Gretchen Wyler was honored for her work. She was added to the U.S. Animal Rights Hall of Fame. In 2007, the first Gretchen Wyler Award was given to Paul McCartney. This award honors people who make a big difference for animals.
Her Passing
Gretchen Wyler passed away on May 27, 2007. She was 75 years old. She died from complications related to breast cancer.
Movies She Was In
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | The Devil's Brigade | The Lady of Joy | |
| 1980 | Private Benjamin | Aunt Kissy | |
| 1991 | The Marrying Man | Gwen |
See also
- List of animal rights advocates
