Allyn Ann McLerie
A versatile triple-threat who danced with ballet's giants before stealing scenes on screen with her sharp wit and distinctive voice.
1926–2018 (age 92)·American actress, singer and dancer·Birthday: December 1·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Allyn Ann McLerie's career was a masterclass in artistic agility, beginning on the stages of New York where she worked under choreographic titans like George Balanchine and Agnes de Mille. She brought a dancer's precision and a bright, quirky charm to every role, whether in Broadway musicals like 'Where's Charley?' or Hollywood films. McLerie possessed a uniquely recognizable voice—a slightly nasal, wonderfully expressive instrument that made her a natural for character parts. She transitioned seamlessly into television, becoming a familiar face in countless guest spots on shows from 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' to 'Murder, She Wrote,' often playing efficient secretaries or eccentric neighbors. Her work ethic and adaptability kept her performing for over six decades, leaving a legacy of polished, memorable characterizations across every medium.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Allyn was born in 1926, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Allyn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1926
#1 Movie
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
Allyn's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1926Born
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1931Started school
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1939Became a teenager
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1942Could drive
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1944Could vote
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1947Turned 21
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1956Turned 30
Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $10,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Heartbreak Hotel" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: Around the World in 80 Days
1966Turned 40
Star Trek premieres on television
Gas: $0.32/galHome: $14,200Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"The Ballad of the Green Berets" — SSgt Barry SadlerBest Picture: A Man for All Seasons
1976Turned 50
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1986Turned 60
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1996Turned 70
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2006Turned 80
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2018Died at 92
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
Key Achievements
- Performed in the original Broadway productions of musicals choreographed by Agnes de Mille, including 'Brigadoon' and 'Paint Your Wagon'.
- Played memorable supporting roles in classic films such as 'The Way We Were' and 'All That Jazz'.
- Had a recurring role as the mother of Woody Harrelson's character on the hit sitcom 'Cheers'.
Did You Know?
She was born in Grand Mere, Quebec, and began her career as a dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.
She provided the voice for the character of Alice in the Disney animated film 'Alice in Wonderland' (1951).
She played the role of a nun, Sister Sixtus, in the cult favorite film 'The Trouble with Angels'.
“A dancer learns to speak with her body before she ever says a word.”
