In Remembrance: Lily Munster

Actress Yvonne De Carlo (September 1, 1922 - January 8, 2007) may be best know as Lily Munster in the television series The Munsters, that ran from 1964 to 1966.  This series was actually De Carlo's attempt to reenergize her acting career and her bank account. In the 1940s and 1950s she had a very successful career as a Hollywood film star and by her death had appeared in nearly 100 films, but by the time she hit her 40s, Hollywood had nothing left for her. 

De Carlo is loved for her sensible, blind to differences, role of a warm, motherly ghoul. She said that on the first day of filming she was told to "Play her like Donna Reed." After the cancellation of the series, De Carlo revived the role in two Munster movies. She also began a third (?) career in horror films of the 1980s and 90s.

Just recently the film American Gothic (1988), which starred De Carlo as "Ma", was released in Blue-ray. You can watch it on Amazon Prime, I believe.

In remembrance of Lily Munster, let's watch an episode or two of the The Munsters. You can find some of the hits on YouTube. You can also read De Carlo's New York Times obituary.  She would perhaps like to be remembered for her dramatic acting, but I think De Carlo's portrayal of Lily Munster will live in hearts much longer.