Meredith MacRae

About Meredith MacRae

Meredith Lynn MacRae entered the world on May 30, 1944, in Houston, Texas. Her arrival took place on a military installation where her father was serving. From a young age, Meredith seemed destined for a life in the spotlight. Her father, Gordon MacRae, was a celebrated vocalist and leading man of the 1950s, known for his roles in musical films like Oklahoma! and Carousel. Her mother, Sheila MacRae, is an accomplished actress, comedian, and author, perhaps most recognized for her portrayal of Alice Kramden in the later iteration of The Jackie Gleason Show.

Meredith's own performing journey began at the tender age of eight when she made her acting debut in the film By the Light of the Silvery Moon, sharing the screen with her father. Her academic pursuits led her to UCLA, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. In 1964, she exchanged vows with Richard Berger, who would later become president of MGM, though their union concluded in divorce four years later.

Meredith then secured prominent roles in two of television's beloved family comedies of their era: Petticoat Junction and My Three Sons. Her talent extended to numerous guest appearances on other popular series, including Fantasy Island, Magnum, P.I., The Rockford Files, and Webster, notably featuring in the highest-rated episode of that show. Her career also encompassed appearances in several films and a short-lived venture into singing.

In 1969, Meredith married actor Greg Mullavey. Their family grew in 1974 with the birth of their daughter, Allison. While Meredith and Greg divorced in 1992, they maintained a friendship. In 1995, Meredith married Philip Neal, a prominent figure in the business world as Chairman and CEO of Avery-Dennison. Sadly, in 1999, Meredith was diagnosed with cancer. The following year, Meredith Lynn MacRae passed away, a consequence of complications arising from numerous surgeries and adverse reactions to medications that led to brain swelling.