Pamela Britton was a talented and popular actress who starred in several Broadway shows, Hollywood films, and television series. She is best known for playing Lorelei Brown, the landlady of the alien visitor in the sitcom My Favorite Martian. She also had memorable roles in the film noir classic D.O.A. and the musical comedy Anchors Aweigh. But her life and career were cut short by a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that claimed her life at the age of 51. How did Pamela Britton die and what were the symptoms and treatments of her disease? Here is a brief overview of her life, career, and cause of death.
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Early Life and Career
Pamela Britton was born Armilda Jane Owens on March 19, 1923, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her mother was Ethel Owen, a prominent stage, radio, and early television actress. Her father was Dr. Raymond Gilbert Owens, a physician. She had two sisters: Virginia, who was an actress for RKO Radio Pictures; and Mary, a social worker.
Pamela showed an interest in acting from an early age and started performing in summer stock when she was nine years old. She attended Holy Angels Academy and the State Teacher’s Normal School in Milwaukee. She also studied voice and piano at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
She began auditioning for roles under the name Gloria Jane Owen, but later changed it to Pamela Britton after reading a British book. She chose Britton to emphasize her Anglo-Saxon heritage and to avoid being confused with another actress named Gloria Owen.
She moved to New York City in 1943 and found work as a radio actress. She also appeared on Broadway as both Celeste Holm’s understudy and as Gertie in the original production of Oklahoma! She later took over Holm’s role as Ado Annie when the show went on tour. She also played Meg Brockie in the original production of Brigadoon.
She caught the attention of MGM executive Marvin Schenck, who signed her to a contract after seeing her perform in Chicago. She made her film debut in 1945 as Frank Sinatra’s girlfriend in Anchors Aweigh. She then appeared in several other films, such as A Letter for Evie, Key to the City, Watch the Birdie, The Strip, and The Great Diamond Robbery.
D.O.A. and My Favorite Martian
Her most significant film role was as Paula Gibson, the loyal secretary and love interest of Edmond O’Brien’s character Frank Bigelow, in the 1950 film noir D.O.A. The film tells the story of an accountant who is poisoned by a mysterious substance and has only a few hours to find out who killed him and why. Pamela Britton’s performance as the devoted and distraught Paula was praised by critics and audiences alike.
She then focused on television work, appearing in shows such as The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, The Jack Benny Program, Blondie, The Red Skelton Show, The Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, and The Beverly Hillbillies.
Her most famous television role was as Lorelei Brown, the bubbly blonde landlady of Tim O’Hara (Bill Bixby) and his extraterrestrial roommate Martin (Ray Walston) in the sci-fi comedy My Favorite Martian. The show ran from 1963 to 1966 and was a hit with viewers. Pamela Britton’s character often tried to flirt with Martin, unaware of his true identity. She also had a pet cat named Herbie that Martin disliked.
Brain Cancer Diagnosis and Death
In 1973, Pamela Britton began experiencing severe headaches and vision problems while filming episodes for My Favorite Martian. She initially dismissed them as stress-related or due to her contact lenses. However, when her symptoms worsened, she consulted a doctor who diagnosed her with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a rare and aggressive type of brain tumor that grows rapidly and invades surrounding tissues.
She underwent surgery to remove part of the tumor, but it was not successful. She then tried radiation therapy and chemotherapy, but they only slowed down the growth of the tumor temporarily. She also participated in experimental treatments that involved injecting viruses into her brain to stimulate her immune system.
She continued working despite her illness, appearing in guest roles on shows such as Love American Style, Ironside, Adam-12, Emergency!, Barnaby Jones, and McMillan & Wife. She also reprised her role as Lorelei Brown in a TV movie based on My Favorite Martian that aired in 1973.
She died on June 17, 1974, at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois. She was surrounded by her family and friends, including Ray Walston who flew from California to be with her. She was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, California.
She was survived by her husband, Arthur Steel, whom she married in 1945, and her daughter, Kathleen Steel. She also left behind a legacy of memorable performances that entertained and touched millions of fans.
Conclusion
Pamela Britton was a talented and versatile actress who had a successful career in Broadway, Hollywood, and television. She is best remembered for her roles in D.O.A. and My Favorite Martian, where she showcased her charm, humor, and warmth. She died of brain cancer at the age of 51, after a courageous battle with the disease. She was loved and admired by her colleagues and fans, who still remember her fondly today.
