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Harriet MacGibbon
Harriet MacGibbon in Man with a Camera (1959).jpg
MacGibbon in Man with a Camera (1959)
Born
Harriet Elizabeth MacGibbon

(1905-10-05)October 5, 1905
Died February 8, 1987(1987-02-08) (aged 81)
Resting place Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, California, U.S.
Alma mater American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Occupation Actress
Years active 1925–1987
Spouse(s) William Reno Kane (1930-1942)
Charles Corwin White (1942-1967)
Children William MacGibbon Kane (1933–1977; died at age 43)

Harriet Elizabeth MacGibbon (born October 5, 1905 – died February 8, 1987) was an American actress. She was famous for her roles in movies, on stage, and on television. Many people remember her best as Mrs. Margaret Drysdale, a very snobby character, in the popular TV show The Beverly Hillbillies.

Harriet MacGibbon's Acting Career

Harriet MacGibbon started her acting journey in 1925. She was just 19 years old. She performed in plays on the famous Broadway stage in New York City. She also joined a group of actors called a "stock company" in Ohio.

Early Stage and Radio Work

Harriet acted in many plays across the country. She performed in cities like San Francisco and Louisville, Kentucky. Some of her plays included Ned McCobb's Daughter and The Front Page. She even starred with former boxing champion Jack Dempsey in a play called The Big Fight.

From 1934 to 1937, Harriet was also a radio actress. She played the character Lucy Kent on the NBC radio show Home Sweet Home.

Movies and Television Appearances

Harriet MacGibbon in The Golf Specialist (1930)
MacGibbon in The Golf Specialist (1930)

Harriet's first movie role was a small part in The Golf Specialist (1930). She played a fancy woman walking her dog. Later, she appeared in five movies. These included Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1962). This movie starred famous actors like Glenn Ford and Charles Boyer.

She made many guest appearances on television shows starting in the 1950s. She was on shows like Bewitched and My Three Sons. Her most famous TV role was as Mrs. Margaret Drysdale. She played this character for seven years (1962–1969) on The Beverly Hillbillies. Mrs. Drysdale was a wealthy, high-society woman. She often looked down on the country-living Clampett family.

Harriet MacGibbon's Personal Life

Harriet MacGibbon was married twice. Her first marriage was in 1930 to William Reno Kane. They later divorced in 1942. In the same year, she married writer Charles Corwin White. They stayed married until Charles passed away in 1967. Harriet had one son from her first marriage, named William MacGibbon Kane. He was born in 1933 and died in 1977.

Later Life and Passing

Harriet MacGibbon passed away at the age of 81 on February 8, 1987. She was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) in Los Angeles, California.

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1930 The Golf Specialist Snooty woman walking dog Short film, small part
1961 Cry for Happy Mrs. Bennett
1961 The Absent Minded Professor Wedding guest Uncredited role
1961 All in a Night's Work Dowager Uncredited role
1962 A Majority of One Mrs. Putnam
1962 Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Dona Luisa Desnoyers
1963 Son of Flubber Mrs. Edna Daggett
1965 Fluffy Mrs. Claridge

TV Filmography

  • Wacky Zoo of Morgan City (1970) as Mrs. Westerfield
  • The Judge and Jake Wyler (1972) as hostess
  • The Best Place to Be (1979)

TV Series – Regular Roles

  • Golden Windows (1954) as Mrs. Brandon
  • Hazel (1961) as Mother Baxter
  • The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1969) as Mrs. Margaret Drysdale
  • The Smothers Brothers Show (1965) as Mrs. Costello
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