Irish McCalla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irish McCalla
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1961 publicity still
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| Born | December 25, 1928 Pawnee City, Nebraska, U.S.
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| Died | February 1, 2002 (aged 73) Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
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| Occupation | Film, television actress |
| Spouse(s) | Patrick McIntyre (1951-57); 2 sons Patrick Horgan (1964-69) Chuck Rowland (1982-89; separated) |
Nellie Elizabeth "Irish" McCalla (December 25, 1928 – February 1, 2002) was an American actress and artist. She was best known for playing the main character in the 1950s TV show Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. Sheena was a popular character. Irish McCalla also worked as a model for a famous artist named Alberto Vargas.
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Irish McCalla's Role as Sheena
Irish McCalla once shared how she got the role of Sheena. She was throwing a bamboo spear on a beach in Malibu, California. A person from Nassour Studios saw her and thought she would be perfect. She said about her time as Sheena, "I couldn't act, but I could swing through the trees."
Her TV series, Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, had 26 episodes. It was shown on TV from 1955 to 1956. Irish McCalla was very athletic and about 5 feet 9 inches tall. She often did her own stunts for the show. The series was filmed in Mexico. One time, she grabbed a vine that was not secure. She hit a tree and broke her arm.
Her older son, Kim McIntyre, remembered watching his mom. He saw her swinging from vines. He also saw her wrestling with fake alligators. After Sheena finished, Irish McCalla acted in five movies. These films were made between 1958 and 1962. She also appeared in TV shows like Have Gun — Will Travel and Route 66.
Life After Acting
Irish McCalla was also a talented artist. She created many oil paintings. She also designed collector plates. She sold copies of her artwork. She was part of a group called Woman Artists of the American West. Her art was shown at the Los Angeles Museum of Arts and Sciences.
She sometimes attended events where fans could meet her. At these events, she would sign autographs. As late as 1996, she even wore a leopard-print Sheena costume.
Her Passing
Irish McCalla passed away in 2002 at the age of 73. She had some health problems. She was survived by her two sons, Kim and Sean McIntyre.
You can find a star for Irish McCalla on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is located at 1722 Vine Street.
Sheena's Impact
Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, was a special character for many young girls. One writer said that Sheena was different from other female characters on TV back then. Sheena was a strong and independent person. Watching her go on new adventures each week made people feel more capable. If Sheena could handle the jungle, they felt they could handle their own world.
Irish McCalla's Work
- Sheena, Queen of the Jungle (1955-1956) TV Series 26 episodes — Sheena
- She Demons (1958) — Jerrie Turner
- The Beat Generation (1959) — Marie Baron
- Five Gates to Hell (1959) — Sister Magdalena
- Hands of a Stranger (1962) — Holly
- Have Gun – Will Travel (1963) Episode "Bob Wire" — Anna Anderson
