Monday, September 10, 2007

So Long, Mrs. Gipper The First


AP Photo.

Jane Wyman has died at 93. A ripe old age, to be sure, and one that she certainly earned. While she'll be remembered for many roles, to me she'll always be Hayley Mills's Aunt Polly in Pollyanna and, of course, Angela Channing on "Falcon Crest" (where she showed three emotions during the whole run of the series--"flinty," "steely" and "hard").

But before either of those, she was Ronald Reagan's wife. They were married for several years and had two children. During a 1960s interview, Jane explained the reasons she never talked about Reagan:

"It's not because I'm bitter or because I don't agree with him politically. I've always been a registered Republican. But it's bad taste to talk about ex-husbands and ex-wives, that's all. Also, I don't know a damn thing about politics."

Well, we figured out that last part when you said you were a Republican.

Anyway, Jane, rest in peace. Thanks for the flicks and for being the best TV bitch of the 80s! (Those dressmakers' dummies on "Dynasty" could have learned a lot from you--but failed to.)

5 Comments:

Blogger Stephen R. said...

< Also, I don't know a damn thing about politics."

Well, we figured out that last part when you said you were a Republican. >

So true, Aaron. So true. :)

5:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jane's death is getting totally overlooked because Britney Spears died (of embarrassment) last night.

7:30 PM  
Blogger Aaron said...

Yes, the PR machines will always seize right up on Britney because they know she's good for instant publication. But somehow, I think Jane Wyman is up there, smiling gratefully that her story needn't be associated with the former Mrs. Farterline...

9:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will always remember the blurb on Back to the Future when asked who the president is in the 1980's McFly replied, "Ronald Reagan." the guy laughs and says,"who is the first lady, Jane Wyman?"

11:18 PM  
Blogger dirk.mancuso said...

God, I loved me some Angela Channing. What a crafty ol' heiffer...

1:50 PM  

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