Jane Kean facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jane Kean
Kean in 1973
Born	(1923-04-10)April 10, 1923 Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
Died	November 26, 2013(2013-11-26) (aged 90) Burbank, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, singer
Years active	1941–2013
Spouse(s)	Dick Linkroum ​ (m. 1962⁠–⁠1969)​ Joe Hecht ​ (m. 1970⁠–⁠2005)​

Jane Kean (April 10, 1923 – November 26, 2013) was an American actress and singer. Her career in show business lasted for over 70 years! She performed in many different areas. These included nightclubs, recordings, radio, television, Broadway shows, and films.

She is most famous for two roles. She played Trixie Norton on The Jackie Gleason Show. She was also the voice of Belle in the popular animated special Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol.

Jane Kean's Acting Journey

Jane Kean had a very busy career. She started performing in the 1940s.

Early Career and Broadway

Jane and her older sister, Betty Kean, formed a comedy team. They performed in nightclubs during the 1940s and 1950s. The sisters also appeared together on Broadway in a 1955 musical called Ankles Aweigh.

Jane studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. She appeared in many Broadway shows. These included Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? and Early to Bed. She also performed in Call Me Mister, The Pajama Game, and Carnival!. In some of these shows, she took over roles from other famous actresses.

She had a special role in Take Me Along. This show starred Jackie Gleason. He later remembered her for his television program.

Television and Film Roles

Many people remember Jane Kean from television. She played Trixie Norton on The Jackie Gleason Show. These were hour-long episodes of The Honeymooners. They were in color and had music. She played Trixie from 1966 to 1970. She played the role for many more years than the previous actress.

She also appeared on other TV shows. These included The Phil Silvers Show, Make Room for Daddy, and The Lucy Show. Later, she was on Love, American Style, The Love Boat, The Facts of Life, and Dallas.

In movies, she played Miss Taylor in Walt Disney's Pete's Dragon. She also voiced Belle in the 1962 TV special Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol. This special is still shown every year. Her last film was Abner, The Invisible Dog in 2013. She voiced Aunt Ida in that movie.

In 2003, Jane Kean wrote a book. It was called A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Honeymooners ... I Had a Life.

Personal Life

Jane Kean was married twice. Her first husband was Dick Linkroum. He was a director and producer. They were married from 1962 to 1969. Her second husband was Joe Hecht. He was an actor and producer. They were married from 1970 until his death in 2005. Jane Kean did not have any children.

Death

Jane Kean passed away on November 26, 2013. She was 90 years old. She died in Burbank, California. Her death was due to complications from a fall.

Filmography