YVONNE LIME

(7 April 1935 – 23 January 2026)

American actress Yvonne Lime captured the spirit of a transformative era in Hollywood in the 1950s and early ’60s as youth-driven genre filmmaking dominated the drive-in and television became a cultural cornerstone. Lime died peacefully at the age of 90, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with fans of classic cinema and early television. Born and raised in Glendale, California, Lime’s journey into show business began with her training at the Pasadena Playhouse, where a standout performance drew the attention of Hollywood scouts and set the stage for her screen career.

On film, Lime’s early work showcased her range and charisma. She appeared opposite cinema legends Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster in the acclaimed drama The Rainmaker (1956), earning notice for her nuanced supporting role as Snookie Maguire. In 1957 she appeared (uncredited) in Elvis’ second film, Loving You and opposite Mamie Van Doren in Untamed Youth. A string of genre pictures followed, including the cult favourite I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957), a sci-fi horror landmark that helped define 1950s adolescent cinema and drive-in culture. Her starring roles in quintessential low-budget drive-in movies — 1958’s High School Hellcats, Dragstrip Riot, and 1959’s Speed Crazy — highlighted juvenile delinquency, hot rods and teen rebellion. 

Beyond the silver screen, Lime became a familiar face on television during the medium’s golden age. She had a recurring role on the classic family sitcom Father Knows Best and guest-starred on a host of iconic TV series, including The Mickey Mouse Club, Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.. After retiring from acting, Lime channelled her creativity into philanthropic work, most notably as co-founder of the nonprofit Childhelp, which is dedicated to preventing child abuse. She garnered a remarkable five consecutive Nobel Peace Prize nominations (2000-2005) for her humanitarian work. She also worked in executive leadership at Don Fedderson Productions, the television production company founded by her husband, producer Don Fedderson, best known for creating hit family sitcoms such as My Three Sons and Family Affair.

CHAD KENNERK