Eve Arden
She was like America's Maggie Smith. She had that look of disgust, down pat. I loved her acting, and if she were at all like the characters she played, I would loved to have spent a night having cocktails with her. She'd probably end up hating me, but it would still be fun. She was most famous for her role in Our Miss Brooks, but I got to know her in the show Mothers-in-Law. I loved that show. She and Kaye Ballard were a great team. Kaye, where are you?!!! Come back to the five and dime, Kaye Ballard, Kaye Ballard. I remember this fantastic episode when those two sang a song about a plumber. I'd love for that on tape now.
Findadeath.com friend Richard got in touch and sent me the dvd of that particular episode I wanted. It was great to relive the show - its been so many years. I've watched it several times since, and still laugh as hard as the first. Much appreciation and gratitude, Richard.
Findadeath.com friends Steve and Bob both sent me information that the woman that played the daughter on the show, Deborah Walley, passed away in May of 2001, of esophageal cancer. Thanks for the news, guys.
Eve Arden was living on St. Ives Drive, in LA. Eve's home was located at 9066.
She died in her home at 2:18 am on Monday November 12 1990. Two of her four children were at her side. She had a heart attack. There was mention in one of her obituaries, that she had cancer, but not on the official document. She was 82 years old.
Her memorial service was held the following Friday, in the chapel at Westwood Memorial Park. The inside of the chapel was jammed. This is the program from the event. Those attending the service were Jane Wyman, Donald O'Connor, Gale Gordon, Kathleen Freeman, Robert Rockwell. Eve was there, but it was closed casket. Strangely, after the service, they handed out copies of her biography, The Three Phases of Eve. Everyone got a copy.
She was cremated, and eventually buried with her husband of 33 years, Brooks West. I got there shortly after she was planted, and this is what I found.
Eve's last acting role was in Grease 2. That had to suck.
Trivia: Her birth name was Eunice Quedens. I love it. No really, I do.
From Mike Pare, June 2000:
Kaye Ballard is currently in NYC in a night club show, very good reviews and
buzz. She toured last year in a production of "Follies" and has small roles in 2 films.
Trivia: Eve sold her Thousand Acres ranch to Sophia Loren where Carlo Ponti now lives and Sophia occasionally visits. Lots of people were never sure of Eve's sexuality, tho she was known to have been devoted to Brooks West.
