Perry MacFarlane was the mother of Seth MacFarlane, the creator of the popular animated sitcom Family Guy. She died on July 16, 2010 at the age of 63 after a long fight with cancer. She passed away peacefully in her home in Ventura, California with her family around her. In this article, we will explore the life and death of Perry MacFarlane, and how her son Seth paid tribute to her in his show.
Early Life and Marriage
Perry MacFarlane was born as Ann Perry Sager on June 17, 1947 in Newburyport, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Oscar-winning actor José Ferrer and singer Rosemary Clooney, and the cousin of actor George Clooney. She grew up in a show business family and had a passion for music and theater.
She married Ron MacFarlane, a former admissions office worker, in 1970. They had two children, Seth and Rachael, who both followed their mother’s footsteps and became actors and voice artists. Perry MacFarlane supported her children’s careers and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.
Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Perry MacFarlane was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy to fight the disease. She also participated in clinical trials and alternative treatments to improve her chances of survival. She was optimistic and brave throughout her ordeal, and never gave up hope.
She also received support from her family and friends, who visited her regularly and helped her cope with the pain and side effects of the treatment. Her son Seth dedicated an episode of Family Guy to her in 2009, titled “Quagmire’s Baby”, which featured a special message from him at the end: “To my mom, thanks for everything.”
Death and Legacy
Perry MacFarlane succumbed to cancer on July 16, 2010. She died at home surrounded by her loved ones. Her death was announced by newsman Larry King on his Twitter account. He wrote: “We would like to acknowledge the death of Ann Perry MacFarlane. She’s the mother of our friend, Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane. Perry was only 63, [she] passed away [after] a valiant battle with cancer.”
Her obituary was published in the Los Angeles Times, which described her as “a woman of immense warmth, generosity, kindness, wit and love.” It also stated that she “leaves behind a vast legacy of friends and admirers from around the country.”
Her son Seth paid another tribute to her in a later episode of Family Guy, titled “And Then There Were Fewer”, which aired on September 26, 2010. The episode featured a character named Diane Simmons, who was voiced by Perry’s daughter Rachael. Diane Simmons was killed off in the episode, and the credits included a memorial card that read: “For Ann Perry MacFarlane.”
Perry MacFarlane’s cause of death was cancer, but her legacy lives on through her children’s work and her fans’ admiration. She was a loving mother, a talented performer, and a courageous fighter who inspired many people with her strength and spirit.
