Enid Jaynes was an American actress who appeared in several TV shows and movies in the 1950s and 1960s. She was best known for her roles in The Rifleman, Brannigan, and Geronimo. She was married twice, first to producer Jules V. Levy and then to doctor Sanford Marvin Shapero. She died on July 8, 2011, at the age of 75 in Los Angeles, California. But what was the cause of her death? And how did she live her life in the glamorous but ruthless world of Hollywood? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Enid Jaynes, and try to answer some of these questions.
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Early Life and Career
Enid Jaynes was born on August 12, 1935, in Omaha, Nebraska, as Enid Gay Yousen. She moved to Los Angeles with her family when she was a teenager, and soon developed an interest in acting. She started her career as a model and a dancer, and then landed some minor roles in TV shows such as Perry Mason, The Detectives, and Have Gun – Will Travel. She also appeared in some low-budget movies such as Geronimo, where she played a Native American woman named Huera.
Rise to Fame and Marriage
Enid Jaynes’ breakthrough role came in 1959, when she was cast as Aggie Denton in the popular western series The Rifleman. She played the love interest of the main character Lucas McCain, portrayed by Chuck Connors. She appeared in six episodes of the show, and gained a lot of fans for her beauty and charm. She also caught the eye of Jules V. Levy, one of the producers of the show. Levy was a successful and influential figure in Hollywood, who had produced hits such as The Rifleman, The Big Valley, and The Magnificent Seven. He was also married with two children at the time.
Levy and Jaynes began an affair, which soon became public knowledge. Levy divorced his wife and married Jaynes in 1960. They had a lavish wedding at the Beverly Hills Hotel, attended by many celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Marilyn Monroe. Jaynes became a stepmother to Levy’s two children from his previous marriage, Richard and Barbara.
Jaynes continued to work as an actress after her marriage, appearing in more TV shows such as Burke’s Law, The Big Valley, and Cannon. She also starred in the 1975 movie Brannigan, opposite John Wayne. She played a policewoman who helped Wayne’s character catch a fugitive in London.
Divorce and Second Marriage
Jaynes’ marriage to Levy was not a happy one. Levy was reportedly abusive and unfaithful to her. He also controlled her career and prevented her from taking more roles that could have boosted her fame. Jaynes filed for divorce in 1978, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 1979.
Jaynes then married Dr. Sanford Marvin Shapero, a dentist who had been her friend for many years. They had a quiet wedding at a Las Vegas chapel in 1979. Shapero was supportive and loving to Jaynes, and they lived happily together until his death in 1982.
Death and Legacy
After Shapero’s death, Jaynes became reclusive and rarely appeared in public. She suffered from depression and health problems, and spent most of her time at her home in Los Angeles. She died on July 8, 2011, at the age of 75. The cause of her death was not disclosed by her family or friends.
Enid Jaynes was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, next to her second husband Shapero. Her first husband Levy had died in 2003 and was buried at Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City, California.
Enid Jaynes was a talented and beautiful actress who had a promising career cut short by her personal troubles. She left behind a legacy of memorable performances that are still enjoyed by fans today. She also left behind a mystery about her cause of death that remains unsolved.
