Beverley Owen, best known for playing the original Marilyn Munster on season 1 of The Munsters, has died. She was 81.
Her costar Butch Patrick, who played Eddie Munster, announced the news on Facebook on Sunday, writing: “Beautiful Beverly Owen has left us. What a sweet soul. I had the biggest crush on her. RIP Bev and thanks for your 13 memorable Marilyn Munster episodes.”
Owen’s daughter also confirmed the news, telling TMZ that the actress died surrounded by friends and family at her home in Vermont on Feb. 21 after battling ovarian cancer.
Owen was reportedly diagnosed in January 2017 and had kept it private.
Owen left her role on The Munsters after 13 episodes to marry Jon Stone, a writer and producer. They were married for seven years, from 1967–1974. Owen was replaced by actress Pat Priest for the remainder of the series.
In addition to Polly, Owen is survived by daughter Kate.