Hazel Shermet

 Hazel Shermet (August 1, 1920 – October 27, 2016)

She was an actress, comedian, and singer whose decades-long career spanned radio, television, film and theater, including Broadway. In addition to her live action-roles, Shermet also enjoyed a lengthy career as a voice-over and voice actor. She provided the voice of Henrietta Hippo for the entire 196-episode run of the syndicated children's show, New Zoo Revue, from 1972 until 1977. Hazel Shermet also appeared in more than 100 television commercials, including ads for Borox, Charmin, Head & Shoulders, and Hunt’s Tomato Paste. She was first cast in a 1954 television episode of Dragnet. She played Louise Cooper in the NBC-TV comedy Blondie (1957). In 1960-1961, she played Pam on the CBS comedy Pete and Gladys. In 1964, Shermet had a notable role as Cousin Melancholia on an episode of The Adams Family. Her dozens of other television credits, spanning the 1950s to the 1980s, included The Beverly Hillbillies, My Favorite Martian, The Patty Duke Show, That Girl, I Dream of Jeannie, The Facts of Life, Gimme a Break! and Punky Brewster. She also had a recurring role as the voice of Mrs. Bailey on the 1980s animated series, Jem. Shermet's film career began with 1954's A Star Is Born, as Jack Carson's secretary. Her other film roles include Rockabilly Baby (1957), Auntie Mame (1958), The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond (1960), Gypsy (1962), Bye Bye Birdie (1963), Love at First Bite (1979), and Body Slam (1987).

She was married to screenwriter Larry Rhine from 1950 until his death in 2000. Shermet died from natural causes at her home in Los Angeles, California, on October 27, 2016, at the age of 96. She was survived by her two children.