Ellen Weston, 'Get Smart' Actress and Broadway Star, Passes Away at 87
Ellen Weston, a beloved actress who appeared on both Broadway and numerous television shows, has died at the age of 87, according to The Hollywood Reporter.Her friend, producer and manager, Susan Zachary, told the outlet that Weston died on May 28 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox. 🎬Remembering Ellen Weston: A Look Back at a Storied CareerA statement was also shared, where she's remembered as “a rare person who had both right- and left-brain proficiency…she was as skilled at a legal brief as she was with a knitting needle.“She was our consigliere dispensing advice, wisdom, compassion and care in equal measure—especially when we most needed an ear, a shoulder and a true confidante. She was beyond a loyal friend—she was a fierce advocate for every single one of us.“She took excellent care of herself, always tastefully put together with gorgeous outfits, the perfect makeup, and more. Up until the very end, she was still dancing and taking new classes; the latest was a pottery class taught by a dear friend that ended a month before her passing.”Weston began her career on Broadway, landing the role of an understudy in the drama Toys in the Attic, starring Jason Robards Jr. and Maureen Stapleton, following her time at Performing Arts High School, Hofstra University, NYU, and Hunter College. She also played the sister of Sigmund Freud (portrayed by Steven Hill) in A Far Country, as well as replacing Betsy von Furstenberg in Mary, Mary in 1962.From The Guiding Light to Get Smart: Weston's Rise to Television StardomAmong her most notable roles, Weston portrayed Robin Fletcher on CBS’ The Guiding Light in 1963–64, along with playing Carol Pearson and Karen Gregory on NBC’s Another World in 1964–65. She also appeared in CBS’ The Young and the Restless in 1978–80 as Suzanne Thurston.Related: The Light That Went Out: Remembering the Day Guiding Light Was Canceled 17 Years AgoAs for her role as Dr. Steele on NBC’s Get Smart, Weston joined the show during the third season. She also had a recurring role on ABC’s S.W.A.T. in 1975 as Betty Harrelson, the wife of Steve Forrest’s Lt. “Hondo” Harrelson. Other show appearances include Run for Your Life, N.Y.P.D., Bonanza, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Mannix, Bewitched, Hawkins, Harry O, Barnaby Jones, The Bob Newhart Show, Cannon, Baretta and Wonder Woman.Beyond Acting: Weston's Hidden Talent as a SongwriterIn addition to her acting work, Weston was a skilled songwriter. Throughout her career, she wrote seven songs with Lesley Gore on Gore's 1972 album Someplace Else Now, as well as all the songs on Gore's 1975 album Love Me by Name.Later in her life, Weston made the decision to go to law school.Related: Remembering the Celebrities and Legends Who Died in 2026This story was originally published by Parade on Jun 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
