On May 28, 2024, Elizabeth MacRae Halsey, an actress who was renowned for her diverse roles in theater, cinema, and television, passed away in a peaceful manner at her house in New York City. She lived to the age of 88.
She was perhaps best known for her roles on “General Hospital” and “Days of our Lives.”
From a tender age, Mrs. Halsey, who was born Elizabeth Herndon MacRae in Fayetteville, North Carolina on February 22, 1936, expressed a fervor for performance.
She was encouraged to pursue acting in her youth through her involvement in regional theater productions, which ultimately resulted in her enrollment in the North Carolina School of the Arts as a drama student.
Her professional acting career was launched in the early 1960s when she relocated to Los Angeles. Mrs. Halsey’s popularity on American television was rapidly established as she landed roles in popular series such as “Gunsmoke,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” and “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.”
#RIP Elizabeth MacRae
Her TV credits in shows such as "Route 66," "Surfside 6," "The Fugitive," "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza," "The Andy Griffith Show," and "General Hospital." She was most renowned for her portrayal of Lou Ann Poovie in "Gomer Pyle, USMC."https://t.co/TK2xXXyVQJ pic.twitter.com/0mr7q2I375— Pete Salisbury @Tuckerpete (@Tuckerpete) May 28, 2024
She was cast as Lou-Ann Poovie, Gomer’s girlfriend, a role that helped her establish herself as a beloved television actress and endeared her to audiences.
In addition to her television work, Mrs. Halsey made notable appearances in films. In 1964, she appeared in “Roustabout” alongside Elvis Presley and played a memorable character in the Western “The Wild Westerners” (1962).
Her versatility was also evident on the stage, where she appeared in productions both on and off-Broadway, demonstrating her ability to transition between dramatic and comedic roles.
During her five-decade-long career, Mrs. Halsey was commended for her adaptability and her capacity to imbue a diverse array of characters with depth and authenticity.
Colleagues frequently complimented her professionalism and commitment to her profession.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Elizabeth MacRae Halsey was recognized for her philanthropic endeavors.
She frequently participated in fundraising events for community theaters and arts education programs, as she was an advocate for the arts. In her mentorship of aspiring actors, she demonstrated her dedication to cultivating young talent, and numerous individuals have acknowledged her as a source of inspiration for their careers.
The screenwriter Charles Halsey, with whom Mrs. Halsey was married, and she shared a profound and enduring partnership. The couple was noted for their contributions to the cultural milieu of their community and was frequently observed together at industry events.
Charles, her spouse, and her two children, Michael and Laura, as well as four grandchildren, survive her.
[READ MORE: Golf Icon Decides to Retire Young]