Barbara Pepper
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Barbara Pepper (born Marion B. Pepper; May 31, 1915 – July 18, 1969) was an American stage, television, radio, and film actress. She is best known as the first "Doris Ziffel" on the sitcom Green Acres. Pepper was born in New York City, the daughter of actor David Mitchell "Dave" Pepper, and his wife, Harrietta S. Pepper. At age 16 she started life in show business with Goldwyn Girls, a musical stock company where she met lifelong friend Lucille Ball.
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After gaining weight, her roles were mostly confined to small character parts on television, including several appearances on I Love Lucy, The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, Petticoat Junction, and The Jack Benny Program. She made four appearances on Perry Mason, including the role of Martha Dale, mother of the title character, in the 1957 episode "The Case of the Vagabond Vixen".
A long-time friend of Lucille Ball, Barbara was considered for the role of Ethel Mertz on "I Love Lucy," but was passed over due to the fact that she was reportedly a drinker. William Frawley ("Fred Mertz") was, likewise, reportedly, a drinker and was already cast. It was felt that having two drinkers in the cast might eventually cause difficulties so they auditioned and found Vivian Vance to play Ethel instead.
She may be best remembered as the first Doris Ziffel on Petticoat Junction in 1964, although her character's name on the "Genghis Keane" episode of Petticoat Junction was Ruth Ziffel. Her role as Doris Ziffel continued on Green Acres from 1965 to 1968, until heart ailments finally forced her to leave that weekly series. Veteran actress Fran Ryan replaced her on Green Acres, which would continue to run for another three years. Her final performance was in the 1969 film Hook, Line & Sinker, in which she played Jerry Lewis's secretary.
Born
May 31, 1915
New York City, New York, USA
Died
Jul 18, 1969
Known For
Acting
Movies
97 acting
0 crew
Popularity
1.1
Known For
Foreign Correspondent
1940
as Dorine
The Women
1939
as Tough Girl (uncredited)
A Star Is Born
1954
as Esther's Neighbor (uncredited)
Auntie Mame
1958
as Mrs. Krantz (uncredited)
The Lady Eve
1941
as Lady Wrestler Type on Ship (uncredited)
Kiss Me, Stupid
1964
as Big Bertha
The Return of Frank James
1940
as Nellie Blane
The Music Man
1962
as Mrs. Hawkes
After the Thin Man
1936
as Party Guest (uncredited)
The Snake Pit
1948
as Asylum Patient (uncredited)
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