Doris Singleton
The actress who perfected the role of the politely exasperated neighbor, leaving an indelible mark as Lucy Ricardo's occasional rival.
1919–2012 (age 93)·American actress·Birthday: September 28·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Doris Singleton's career was a masterclass in character acting, spanning radio, television, and film across five decades. A native of New York City, she started in radio, performing in soap operas and comedies, which honed her timing and voice. Her path to television immortality began with a guest spot on 'I Love Lucy' in 1952. Writers and audiences immediately loved her portrayal of Carolyn Appleby, the somewhat snooty, perpetually put-upon friend of Lucy and Ethel. Singleton appeared in 11 episodes, her character's name changing from Lillian Appleby to Carolyn, but her function remained perfect: a straight woman whose normalcy highlighted the chaos Lucy created. Beyond that iconic role, she was a ubiquitous presence on TV, appearing in everything from 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' and 'My Three Sons' to 'All in the Family' and 'Murder, She Wrote.' She worked steadily into the 1990s, a testament to her reliability and the warm, recognizable texture she brought to every part.
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.
Doris was born in 1919, 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 Doris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1919
Doris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1919Born
Treaty of Versailles signed; Prohibition ratified
President: Woodrow Wilson
1924Started school
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1932Became a teenager
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1935Could drive
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1937Could vote
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1940Turned 21
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1949Turned 30
NATO founded; Mao proclaims the People's Republic of China
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Riders in the Sky" — Vaughn MonroeBest Picture: All the King's Men
1959Turned 40
Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $12,400Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"The Battle of New Orleans" — Johnny HortonBest Picture: Ben-Hur
1969Turned 50
Apollo 11: humans walk on the Moon; Woodstock festival
Gas: $0.35/galHome: $15,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Sugar, Sugar" — The ArchiesBest Picture: Midnight Cowboy
1979Turned 60
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1989Turned 70
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1999Turned 80
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2012Died at 93
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Carolyn Appleby (née Lillian), Lucy Ricardo's famously annoyed neighbor, in 11 episodes of 'I Love Lucy'.
- Enjoyed a television career spanning over 40 years, appearing in more than 100 different series.
- Performed regularly on classic radio programs like 'The Shadow' and 'My Favorite Husband' before transitioning to TV.
- Appeared in a recurring role as Margaret Williams on the sitcom 'My Three Sons'.
- Was a founding member of the theatre group The Players Ring in Los Angeles.
Did You Know?
Her first appearance on 'I Love Lucy' was in a different role (a nurse) before being cast as Carolyn Appleby.
She was a close personal friend of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz long after the show ended.
She began her performing career as a radio singer.
Her husband, Charlie Isaacs, was a writer for 'The Jack Benny Program'.
“I learned to make a small part feel like the whole story.”
