Melba Rae
Melba Rae is a Broadway performer. Explore their Broadway credits, shows, and songs below.
Part of our Broadway Credits Database, a resource for musical theater fans.
About
Melba Rae Toombs, born in Willard, Utah, in 1921 or 1922 and known professionally as Melba Rae, was an American actress whose career spanned Broadway and early daytime television. She died on December 29, 1971, at New York Hospital in Manhattan at the age of 49, following a cerebral hemorrhage.
Rae's stage career brought her to Broadway between 1942 and 1945, where she appeared in two comedies: Happily Ever After and Janie. Her transition to television placed her among the pioneers of daytime drama. Beginning in 1951, she joined the cast of Search for Tomorrow at the series' launch and remained with the show for two decades, until her death. Her character, Marge Bergman, served as the best friend of the series' central figure, Joanne, portrayed by Mary Stuart, and was defined as the wife of the couple living next door.
A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rae married Gilbert Shawn on September 2, 1955. The couple had two children, a son and a daughter. Their son, Eric Shawn, went on to become a reporter for Fox News Channel. Gilbert Shawn later relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he died at the age of 84.
Personal Details
- Born
- October 7, 1922
- Hometown
- Willard, Utah, USA
- Died
- December 30, 1971
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Melba Rae?
- Melba Rae is a Broadway performer. Melba Rae Toombs, born in Willard, Utah, in 1921 or 1922 and known professionally as Melba Rae, was an American actress whose career spanned Broadway and early daytime television. She died on December 29, 1971, at New York Hospital in Manhattan at the age of 49, following a cerebral hemorrhage. Rae'...
- What roles has Melba Rae played?
- Melba Rae has played roles as Performer.
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