Beloved TV star Maggie Peterson, finest identified for her position on “The Andy Griffith Present,” has died on the age of 81.
Her niece, Amy Royer, confirmed the unhappy information in an announcement on Fb, revealing Peterson died in her sleep on Sunday afternoon.
Peterson endured poor well being because the loss of life of her husband of over 40 years, jazz musician Gus Mancuso, in December, the emotional publish revealed.
“Maggie’s well being took a flip for the more severe after the loss of life of her husband Gus and we’re relieved that we had been in a position to transfer her dwelling to be near household for her final days,” the assertion stated.
In a publish on Instagram, The Andy Griffith Museum stated Peterson “introduced a lot pleasure to her followers, and to our Mayberry Days Pageant. We’ll miss you, Maggie.”
Peterson landed her breakthrough position as Charlene Darling on “The Andy Griffith Present” in 1963. She quickly put her title on the map after starring within the comedy present till 1966.
Two years after leaving the present, Peterson was welcomed again on set the place she starred as a unique character, named Doris.
Followers had been happy to understand it wasn’t the final of Charlene, because the actress returned to her preliminary position within the 1986 TV film “Return to Mayberry,” the place she was joined by her former co-stars.
Peterson went on to safe a recurring position on “The Invoice Dana Present” in 1964, the place she starred as Susie the waitress.
In a while, she landed minor roles in “Inexperienced Acres” and “The Odd Couple” within the late ’60s and early ’70s.
Her different performing credit embody “Gomer Pyle: USMC,” “The Queen And I,” “Love American Type,” and “Mayberry RFD.”
Peterson met her husband Gus in 1968, earlier than tying the knot in 1978.
Following her respective stints on the reveals, Peterson determined to retire from performing within the ’80s, after her last performing position on a 1987 episode of “The Magical World of Disney.”
She took a job in location administration the place she ultimately labored up the ranks, working as a location supervisor on a number of Las Vegas-based movies, together with “On line casino,” “Mars Assaults!” and “Pay It Ahead.”
Her household revealed on Fb that they’re “planning a non-public service for Maggie within the subsequent few weeks.”