Veteran Actress Alice Hirson Dies at 95
Alice Hirson, a prolific actress whose career spanned decades and included memorable roles in iconic television shows like Dallas and Ellen, died Friday at age 95. Her son, David Hirson, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that she passed away of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, where she had resided for approximately a year.
HirsonS extensive television credits showcased her remarkable versatility. From 1969 to 1993, she appeared in numerous daytime soap operas, including The Edge of Night (CBS) as Stephanie Martin, another World and its spinoff Somerset (NBC) as Marsha Davis, One Life to Live (ABC) as Eileen Siegel, General Hospital (ABC) as Mrs. Van Gelder, and Loving (ABC) as Dr. Lisa Helman. This extraordinary resume highlights her dedication and longevity in the demanding world of daytime television.
Her talent extended beyond the small screen. Hirson appeared in several notable films, including Private Benjamin (1980), where she played the wife of Colonel Thornbush, and Revenge of the Nerds (1984), in which she portrayed the mother of Anthony Edwards’ character, Gilbert Lowe. These roles demonstrated her ability to seamlessly transition between genres and leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Hirson’s contribution to Dallas is notably noteworthy. From 1982 to 1988, she appeared in 26 episodes as Mavis Anderson, the best friend of Miss Ellie ewing and wife of Punk Anderson, played by Morgan Woodward.Adding a fascinating layer to her involvement, her real-life husband, Stephen Elliott, also starred in the show as lawyer Scotty Demerest.
A later generation of viewers will remember her for her role as Lois Morgan on Ellen. She appeared in 28 episodes of the groundbreaking sitcom (1994-98), playing the mother of Ellen DeGeneres’ character. Her portrayal of Lois, alongside steven Gilborn as Harold, added depth to the show’s narrative, particularly during the pivotal “Puppy Episode” in April 1997, which marked a meaningful moment in television history as DeGeneres’ character came out as a lesbian. Neither Lois nor her husband, Harold, had a clue that their daughter was gay,
a fact that underscored the show’s groundbreaking exploration of LGBTQ+ themes.
Born Alice Corinne Thorsell in Brooklyn on March 10, 1929, Hirson was raised in West Hempstead, Long Island. After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1948, she quickly gained recognition, landing a role in a touring production of On the Town. This early success foreshadowed her long and distinguished career.
Her broadway credits include appearances in Traveller Without Luggage (1964), The Examination (1966), and Solitaire/Double Solitaire (1971). She relocated to Los Angeles in 1976,continuing her prolific career with roles in shows like the 1992 NBC sitcom Home fires and 7th Heaven (The WB-CW),where she played Jenny Jackson,the mother of Catherine Hicks’ character,from 1996 to 2006. Her guest appearances on numerous shows, including Maude, The Waltons, Family, Barnaby Jones, Flamingo Road, barney Miller, Murphy Brown, St. Elsewhere, NYPD Blue, and Full House, further cemented her status as a versatile and highly sought-after actress.
Hirson’s film work included roles in The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight (1971),Being There (1979),Mass appeal (1984),Blind Date (1987),The Big Picture (1989),The Glass House (2001),and The Lost (2006). Her marriage to Stephen Elliott, whom she met during her time in Traveller Without Luggage, lasted from 1980 until his death in 2005.
According to her son, David, a Broadway playwright, Hirson considered herself primarily a stage actress. He expressed admiration for her ability to balance a demanding career with raising a family. She marveled how she was able to raise a family while working all those hours on all those soaps.
She is survived by another son, Christopher, a musician, and a grandson, Daniel.
General Hospital star Chris McKenna paid tribute to Hirson on Instagram,writing:
“We lost a radiant soul and a daytime legend. Alice Hirson shone her light on this world for 95 glorious years. My family and I were so blessed to have her in our lives though briefly.Unforgettable woman. Her final words were ‘it’s nice to have an audience.’ Thank you,Alice. Good night. Legend.”
Honoring a Real-Life Legend: Exploring the Enduring Legacy of Alice Hirson
Senior Editor: Alice Hirson’s passing marks the end of an era in television history. What makes her career so iconic, and how did her roles reflect the evolving landscape of American entertainment?
Every successful actress has a unique journey, but Alice Hirson’s remarkable career spans decades, showcasing a versatile talent that resonated with audiences across generations.From iconic soap operas to groundbreaking sitcoms, her work is a testament to the enduring appeal of versatile actors in television history.
Senior Editor: Alice Hirson’s career spanned several eras of television. Could you shed some light on how her roles in series like Dallas and Ellen contributed to, and where influenced by, the social and cultural changes of their times?
alice Hirson’s roles in shows like Dallas and Ellen were significant not just for their entertainment value but also for their cultural impact.In Dallas, her portrayal of Mavis Anderson contributed to the show’s portrayal of complex interpersonal dynamics in a wealthy Texan family, reflective of the power dramas of the 1980s. Meanwhile, her role in Ellen as Lois Morgan played a part in the groundbreaking moment when Ellen DeGeneres’ character came out as a lesbian. This was a pivotal moment in television, challenging societal norms and contributing to the LGBTQ+ movement.Hirson’s versatility and commitment to her roles highlighted her ability to navigate and reflect changing cultural landscapes.
Senior Editor: Daytime television has been both a launching pad and a sustained career choice for many actors. How did Alice Hirson’s work in soaps like one Life to Live and general Hospital stand out, and what can new actors learn from her approach?
Alice Hirson’s achievements in daytime television are a masterclass in longevity and adaptability. Over more than two decades, she brought compelling depth to characters like Eileen Siegel on One Life to Live and Mrs. Van Gelder on General Hospital. Her ability to maintain consistency in character while navigating the episodic nature of soaps was remarkable. New actors can learn from Hirson’s dedication to her craft and her skill in developing nuanced characters that resonate with audiences consistently over long broadcasting periods.
Senior Editor: alice Hirson transitioned successfully between television, film, and theater. What factors allowed her to seamlessly move across these different mediums, and how rare is such versatility in today’s entertainment industry?
Seamlessly moving between various entertainment mediums is a testament to Alice Hirson’s skill and adaptability. her formal training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts equipped her with a strong foundation in acting techniques, which she applied universally. Her ability to understand and encapsulate different character types — whether comedic roles in Revenge of the Nerds or dramatic parts in Being There — highlights her remarkable range as an actress. Today,while versatility remains essential in the entertainment industry,especially given the rise of cross-medium projects,the breadth of experience Hirson managed to achieve remains a rare feat.
Senior Editor: Alice’s personal life was intertwined with her professional career, as seen with her involvement in Dallas alongside her real-life husband, Stephen Elliott. How can actors today balance personal relationships with demanding acting careers?
Balancing personal relationships with a demanding acting career is a challenge many actors face.Alice Hirson’s life exemplifies this balance, as seen in her professional collaboration with her husband on Dallas. What stands out in Hirson’s story is her approach to her work and family life — she saw them as complementary rather than competing aspects of her life. Actors today can take from this the importance of mutual support within personal relationships and the integration of life’s roles to sustain both personal fulfillment and professional success.
Final Thoughts: Alice Hirson’s Legacy
Alice Hirson’s legacy as an actress is marked by her remarkable versatility and dedication to her craft. From her profound impact on popular television shows to her influential roles in films and stage productions, Hirson remains a beacon for aspiring actors. Her ability to adapt and thrive in changing industry landscapes highlights the timeless nature of her contributions. Readers are invited to share their thoughts or memories of Alice Hirson in the comments and discuss the lasting impact she left on the world of entertainment.