Original Marilyn From TV’s ‘The Munsters’ Has Died

It was a show that was a part of my formative years. It was also a show that bridged the gap between black and white programs and the new world of color TV for an American public that was dying to be entertained. The show was The Munsters. Its original run on TV was from 1964-1966.

The show was about a not so typical American family. IMBD describes the TV show this way.

A family of friendly monsters have misadventures, never quite understanding why people react to them so strangely.

There was overly large Herman, who worked for Gateman, Goodbury, and Graves, I believe they were a funeral home. His lovely bride Lilly who was the 60s inspiration for the 80s Elvira Mistress of the Dark. There was Eddie Wolfgang Munster, famous for his Wolfie Doll and slicked back hairstyle. There was the always eccentric Grandpa Munster and then there was Marilyn.

Marilyn was the "black sheep" of the Munster family but to American TV viewers and prepubescent boys like me, she was the reason for watching. Marylin was an outcast to the family but to the American TV viewing public she was the "normal one". She was a pretty blonde girl and not scary at all.

Beverly Owen who originally played the part of Marilyn has died. According to reports, she died from complications brought on by ovarian cancer. Her death actually occurred on February 21st but news of her passing was just made public.

Butch Patrick who played Eddie Munster on the show confirmed Owen's passing on social media.

Owen played Marilyn for only one season. She left after that first season to marry Jon Stone, a producer, and director who went on to create Sesame Street. The part of Marilyn was picked up by actress Pat Priest who continued in the role for the rest of the show's run on television.

Beverly Owen was 81 at the time of her passing.