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Whitney BlakeAmerican film actress, director and producer
Date of Birth: 20.02.1926
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Whitney Blake
Whitney Blake, an American actress, director, and producer, was born on February 20, 1926, in a prosperous suburb of Los Angeles, California. She was the eldest daughter of Harry Whitney and Martha Mae Wilkinson. Growing up, Whitney had to move around the country, attending 16 different schools in various cities. Eventually, she graduated from college in Pasadena and began her career in theater.
Acting Career
Whitney Blake made her television debut in 1956, appearing in the series "Medic." She went on to play roles in shows such as "Circus Boy," "Panic!," "Mike Hammer," "Perry Mason," "The Loretta Young Show," "Bonanza," and "Route 66," among many others. However, she is best remembered for her role as Dorothy Baxter in the comedy series "Hazel" alongside Shirley Booth. "Hazel" aired from 1961 to 1965, and Blake appeared in 125 out of 154 episodes.
Transition to Behind the Scenes
As the number of television roles decreased towards the end of the 1970s, Whitney Blake decided to explore new opportunities. She became a successful television director, producer, and screenwriter. One of her notable achievements was creating the sitcom "One Day at a Time," which ran for nine seasons from 1975 to 1984. She worked alongside her husband, Allan Manings, who was also a producer and screenwriter.
Personal Life and Legacy
Whitney Blake was married three times. Her first marriage to Tom Baxter lasted from 1940 to 1950, and they had three children together: Richard, Brian, and Meredith, who also pursued a career in acting. In 1957, she married talent scout John Fielder, but they divorced after ten years. Her third marriage was to Allan Manings on August 24, 1968, and they remained together until her death.
Whitney Blake passed away on September 28, 2002, at the age of 76. She had been battling cancer for a long time. She died at her home in Edgartown, Massachusetts, where the family had relocated in 1991. Her husband survived her by almost ten years, passing away in May 2010. At the time of her death, Blake had nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Interestingly, Whitney Houston's parents were fans of Whitney Blake and named their daughter in her honor.
