Peggy Knudsen
Margaret Ann Knudsen (April 22, 1923 – July 11, 1980) was an American character actress. Early years. She was born Margaret Ann Knudsen in Duluth, Minnesota. Her father was Conrad Knudsen, Duluth's fire chief. Her ancestors were Irish and Norwegian. Stage. Knudsen made her Broadway debut in "My Sister Eileen" (1940). She replaced Jo Ann Sayers, who had originated the role of a girl who couldn't decide whether to be an actress or get married. Finding herself in that situation in real life, Sayers married a naval officer. The show's producer saw Knudsen working in a  stage door canteen and chose her to take over the role. Film. Knudsen began her film career in 1946 in "A Stolen Life" opposite Bette Davis. (In a February 15, 1948, newspaper column, entertainment writer Louella Parsons quoted Knudsen saying, "My first picture was "Shadow of a Woman" with Helmut Dantine. I played his ex-wife." That same year, she appeared in bit parts in several films including "The Big Sleep" and "Humoresque" with Joan Crawford. In 1948, Knudsen ventured into a different genre of film, doing comedy instead of drama and leaving Warner Bros. to do freelance work. She  also took vocal lessons from Kay Thompson. Despite appearing in big budget features with established stars, Knudsen's career never took off and she was relegated to smaller roles in B movies. Her last film role was in the 1957 film "Istanbul" with Errol Flynn. Radio. Knudsen played Lois Graves in the radio version of "Junior Miss", Karen Adams in "Woman in White". and Phillipa on "The Bill Goodwin Show". Television. Knudsen played April Adams in the comedy "So This Is Hollywood" on NBC (1955). She also had roles in pilots for two programs – "Do Not Disturb" and "Howie" – that  did not develop into series. In the 1950s and 1960s, Knudsen appeared in guest-starring roles on several television shows. She made two guest appearances on "Perry Mason" in 1958–1959; one as Sheila Bowers in "The Case of the Gilded Lily," and Marie Chapman in "The Case of the Spurious Sister." Other television appearances included "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", "The Millionaire, Tombstone Territory", "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" (as 'Kansas Lily'), "Pete and Gladys" and three times on "Bat Masterson" (as "Louisa Carey" in 1959, as "Katie" in 1960 and as "Lottie Tremaine" in 1961). After appearing in an  episode of "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" in 1965, Knudsen retired from acting. Personal life. Knudsen's first marriage was to Adrian Samish, a radio executive. The two eloped after Knudsen's June 8, 1942, performance in "My Sister Eileen" and went to Media, Pennsylvania, to marry. On June 15, 1949, Knudsen married Jim Jordan Jr. in Los Angeles, California. They had three daughters together. Jordan was the son of Jim and Marian Jordan, better known as Fibber McGee and Molly. On February 12, 1962, Knudsen married Francis S. Kellstrom, an electrical contractor. They separated that July and were divorced  October 22, 1962. She suffered from crippling arthritis for most of her later years and was cared for by her close friend, actress Jennifer Jones. Her grandson is the Hollywood screenwriter John Orloff. Death. On July 11, 1980, Knudsen died of cancer in Encino, California. Recognition. For her contribution to the television industry, Knudsen has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6262 Hollywood Boulevard.