Merie Earle

Merie Earle (born Goldie Merie Ireland; May 13, 1889 – November 4, 1984) was an American actress. She was best known for playing Maude Gormley on the television series The Waltons (1972–1979).

Early years After Earle's father retired, her parents relocated to La Crescenta, California, to be closer to their daughter. She was discovered by an agent while performing in a play at a Methodist church. of uremia poisoning following surgery for colon cancer, having outlived both her husband and her daughter.

She was interred at Green Lawn Cemetery in her home town of Columbus, Ohio.

Filmography Film Fitzwilly (1967) – Elderly Shoplifter (uncredited) Gaily, Gaily (1969) – Granny Norwood (1970) – Grandma Whichcoat Clay Pigeon (1971) Summer School Teachers (1975) – Ethel Crazy Mama (1975) – Bertha Almost Summer (1978) Fatso (1980) – Mrs. Maluch Going Ape! (1981) – Binocular Lady Likely Stories, Vol. 3 (1983) – Miss Greg (final film role)

Television

Petticoat Junction (1967, Season 5, Episode 1: "Is This My Daughter") – Martha Hughes Green Acres (1966–1970) – Sarah Hotchkiss Trendell / Sarah Hotchkiss / Old Lady The Beverly Hillbillies (1968) – Rebecca's Mother In Name Only (1969, TV Movie) – Granny Bonanza (1969) – Saloon Woman (uncredited) Bewitched (1970) – Old Lady Love, American Style (1970) – Grace (segment "Love and Grandma") (uncredited) Night Gallery (1970) – Old Woman (segment "The Housekeeper") (uncredited) The Jerry Reed When You're Hot You're Hot Hour (1972) The Waltons (1972–1979) – Maude Gormley The Carol Burnett Show (1973) – Woman in grocery store in “Double Calamity” sketch Apple's Way (1974) – Meg The Bob Newhart Show (1974–1975) – Mrs. Loomis ABC After School Specials (1976) – Old Lady Phyllis (1977) – Wilma All In The Family (1977) – Florence Talley Mad Bull (1977, TV Movie) – (uncredited) C.P.O. Sharkey (1977–1978) Quincy, M.E. (1978) – Mrs. Foster Last of the Good Guys (1978, TV Movie) – Fannoy Stockard Channing in Just Friends (1979) – Elderly Woman 240-Robert (1979) – Sissie Valentine (1979, TV Movie) – Birdie WKRP in Cincinnati (1980) – Mrs. Butterworth Happy Days (1980) – Mrs. Frick – Teacher Laverne & Shirley (1981) – Lady #1 CBS Children's Mystery Theater (1981) – Miss Birdie The Love Boat (1981) – Mrs. Smithers The Powers of Matthew Star (1982) – Grandma Small & Frye (1983) – Sister Rita Alice (1983) – Grandma Sharples Whiz Kids (1983) – Alma Harrison