Peggy Rea, of 'Waltons' and 'Dukes of Hazzard' Fame, Dies at 89

By John Mitchell Posted Feb 11th 2011 09:40AM

Actress Peggy Rea, best known for her roles on 'The Waltons,' 'Dukes of Hazzard' and 'Grace Under Fire,' died Saturday at her home in Toluca Lake, Calif. She was 89. The cause of death was heart failure, according to The New York Times.

Rea became a fixture on television in the late 1970s and early 1980s, playing Olivia Walton's cousin Rose on 'The Waltons' and Boss Hoggs wife Lulu on 'The Dukes of Hazzard.' The actress also appeared on 'All in the Family,' 'The Golden Girls' and 'Step By Step.'

In the late 1940s, Rea moved from her native Los Angeles to New York City to pursue a career on the stage. She appeared in Tennessee Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and Cole Porter's 'Out of this World' before returning to LA and giving up acting for nearly a decade to work as a production secretary on 'Gunsmoke.'

She made a few appearances on 'I Love Lucy' in 1953, but didn't return to acting full time until 1962, with a role in 'Have Gun – Will Travel.' Rea went on to make countless TV appearances and was featured in a variety of films, including 'In Country' with Bruce Willis, 'Love Field' with Michelle Pfeiffer and 'Devil in a Blue Dress' with Denzel Washington.

Rea's last TV role was as Jean Kelly, the feisty mother-in-law to Brett Butler's titular character on the sitcom 'Grace Under Fire.'

Tags: Peggy Rea

Comments

(43)

Friday 11 February

By tony

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among other tv parts,rip lulu.

By Graydonpow

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I actually remember seeing her in several episodes of "I Love Lucy;" Peggy played roles of one of Lucy's card-playing or Wednesday Afternoon Drama League members or some random roles like that. She would always have a line or two, and she was actually quite slim and pretty way back then in the 1950's. She always brought such spice and panache to the roles she played. Godspeed, Peggy Rea!

By stu

No Emmys? She was a true talent!

By liguy

She was a very versatile actress. In the 60's I remember she appeared in an episode of The Odd Couple and had a cameo in the movie Valley of the Dolls. She was Archie Bunker's cousin Bertha in All in the Family, and also played Edith's friend Martha in another episode.

By BTDT

A fine body of work. RIP Ms. Rea.

By Good Soul

Amen! God speed, Mrs. Rea.

By trish

LOVED, LOVED Peggy Rea she will sorly be missed. I really loved her in "Grace under fire" that show was funny, and she was so good in that show.

By tongbai mason

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I believe we all love her in any role she played , she is the gracious lady, set a good role model for the kids back then .. Now I wish we have some one with the greatness like her to inspire the younger generation today. I do love her and she is surely will be miss by all of us.

By kittyfriskywhiskers

I loved her as "Jean" on Grace Under Fire. It's sad she didn't get more accolades, she was a good actress. My condolences to her family -- it sounds like she led a very rich life, and she'll be missed by many. BTW....whatever happened to Brett Butler? She just disappeared.........

By BB

The last time I saw Brett Butler in anything was an episode of My Name Is Earl.She played Joys mother.

Tuesday 15 February

By William A. Carpenter

I enjoyed her on the Waltons.
Carp

By sue moore

I REMEMBER HER AS ALWAYS A WOMAN WITH A HEART SOMETIMES RATHER FIESTY BUT LIKE YOUR AUNT WHO WAS SO WISE HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY SHE WILL BE REMEMBERED IN OHIO

By YellowRose3218

Thanks for the many years of laughs Peggy Rea.

By wtilton67

Go Lulu from Dukes of Hazzard. That show was on when I was old enough to want to go out on Friday, but too young according to the parents. I was in the 13-16 range when parents actually did some parenting and did not let you go out just because you wanted to.
I remember Lulu...man she could cook up some Fried Chicken for Boss Hog when she wanted something. She also for the most part made him do what she wanted him to do. She was definitely a Southern Belle [albeit a large one].

By Ed

Very sad! Always like the parts she played! RIP P.S. Bill your an Azzhole!!

By Doug

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You're a horrible person.

By ray priola

Life is something else,one grows up watching movies and shows,then out of nowhere,all you have seen in life just goes away,just like myself,i will go one day.but still, after knowing all this,i still get shocked to hear of such things,who would ever think the beatles would go,and elvis.just like rocky once said to his son,NOTHING WILL EVER HIT YOU HARDER THAN LIFE ITSELF.

By Rob

R.I.P. Peggy...Thank you!!

By l1a1h1

I watched Little Disaster on the Prairie only twice. What they portrayed was harsh as hell, and I couldn't take it. RIP, maam.

By Mike

Are there any pics of her wearing red spikes with blue tights on.

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