Gloria McGehee was an American film and television actress who starred in the films The Boss and Sierra Stranger, and guest-starred in several popular shows such as Gunsmoke and Perry Mason. She was born on January 9, 1922 in Meadville, Mississippi, and began her acting career in 1952. She died on May 4, 1964 in her hometown of Meadville, Mississippi, at the age of 42. What was the cause of her death and how did it affect her career and legacy? This article will explore the details of Gloria McGehee’s cause of death and the impact it had on her life and work.
Heart Attack: The Fatal Blow
According to Wikipedia, Gloria McGehee died in May 1964 of a heart attack in Meadville, Mississippi. A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, causing damage or death of the heart cells. Some of the common risk factors for a heart attack include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and family history of heart disease. Some of the common symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and dizziness. A heart attack can be fatal if not treated promptly and effectively.
It is not clear what triggered Gloria McGehee’s heart attack or whether she had any underlying health conditions that contributed to it. However, some sources suggest that she had been under a lot of stress and pressure in her personal and professional life. According to The Evening Sun, a former television star, Gloria McGehee had been planning to head a bank in Dixie, Mississippi, after retiring from acting. She had given her approval to the new bank president, who was her cousin, and was looking forward to returning to her hometown. However, she also faced some opposition from some local residents who did not want an actress to run a bank. According to The Boston Globe, Gloria McGehee had also been involved in a legal dispute with her former husband, actor Robert Horton, over the custody of their adopted son, Michael. The couple had divorced in 1959 and had been fighting over the child ever since. Gloria McGehee had won the custody of Michael in 1962, but Robert Horton had appealed the decision and was seeking a new trial. The case was still pending at the time of Gloria McGehee’s death.
These factors may have taken a toll on Gloria McGehee’s physical and mental health, and possibly increased her risk of having a heart attack. However, it is impossible to say for sure what exactly caused her heart attack, as no autopsy report or medical records have been made public.
Career and Legacy: Cut Short by Tragedy
Gloria McGehee’s death was a shock to her fans and colleagues, who remembered her as a talented and versatile actress. She had appeared in several films and television shows, mostly in supporting roles, and had shown her range and skill in different genres and characters. Some of her notable works include:
The Boss (1956): A film noir directed by Byron Haskin, starring John Payne and William Bishop. Gloria McGehee played Lorry Reed, the secretary and lover of the corrupt politician Matt Brady (Payne), who helps him rise to power and then betrays him.
Sierra Stranger (1957): A western directed by Lee Sholem, starring Howard Duff and Dick Foran. Gloria McGehee played Meg Anderson, the wife of a rancher who is kidnapped by a bandit (Duff) and falls in love with him.
A Child Is Waiting (1963): A drama directed by John Cassavetes, starring Burt Lancaster and Judy Garland. Gloria McGehee played Mattie, a teacher at a school for mentally challenged children, who helps a new counselor (Garland) cope with her job and personal problems.
Gunsmoke (1955-1975): A western television series created by John Meston, starring James Arness and Milburn Stone. Gloria McGehee guest-starred in three episodes of the series, playing different characters: Kitty Wells, a saloon girl who is accused of murder; Molly McConnell, a widow who is harassed by a land grabber; and Ellie Wylie, a woman who is kidnapped by outlaws.
Perry Mason (1957-1966): A legal drama television series created by Erle Stanley Gardner, starring Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale. Gloria McGehee guest-starred in one episode of the series, titled “The Case of the Crimson Kiss”, playing Doris Hocksley, a woman who is involved in a murder case involving a lipstick imprint.
Gloria McGehee had a promising career ahead of her, and had received positive reviews and recognition for her performances. She had also been offered some roles in upcoming projects, such as a television series called The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and a film called The Carpetbaggers. However, her sudden death cut short her career and prevented her from achieving greater fame and success. She was buried in Midway Cemetery in Meadville, Mississippi, and was survived by her son, Michael, and her parents. She was also remembered by her friends and co-stars, who paid tribute to her talent and personality. For example, Ralph Bellamy, who had worked with her in the television series Man Against Crime, said that she was “one of the finest actresses I ever worked with” and that he was “deeply saddened by her death”. Gloria McGehee’s cause of death was a tragic loss for the film and television industry, and for her fans and family. She left behind a legacy of memorable roles and performances, and a reputation of being a dedicated and versatile actress.
