Legendary Actress Passes Away at 95!

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a true television pioneer and a staple of the American living room. Alice Hirson, a veteran actress whose career served as a bridge between the Golden Age of Hollywood and the modern sitcom era, has passed away at the age of 95. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, the esteemed performer died of natural causes at the Motion Picture and Television Country House and Hospital in Los Angeles, surrounded by the legacy of an industry she helped shape for over half a century.

Born in Brooklyn on March 10, 1929, Hirson’s journey from a Long Island childhood to the bright lights of Broadway and Hollywood was marked by a rare versatility. She wasn’t just an actress; she was a dependable presence who could transition seamlessly between high-stakes drama and lighthearted comedy. While many actors find a niche, Hirson found a home in whatever genre she touched. On the iconic series Dallas, she appeared in 26 episodes, bringing depth to the sweeping Texas saga. To a different generation, she was a comforting figure of nostalgia, remembered fondly as Claire Tanner, the grandmother of the Tanner clan on the hit show Full House.

However, it was perhaps her work on the ABC sitcom Ellen that cemented her place in television history. From 1994 to 1998, Hirson portrayed Lois Morgan, the mother of Ellen DeGeneres’ title character. She occupied this role during a transformative moment in American culture: the historic 1997 “Puppy Episode,” where DeGeneres’ character—and DeGeneres herself—came out as gay. Hirson’s performance provided a necessary groundedness to the groundbreaking storyline, reflecting the complexities of a mother navigating a changing world with her daughter. It was a role that required both comedic timing and emotional honesty, qualities Hirson possessed in spades.