Hope Summers was a versatile and talented actress who appeared in many television shows and movies, most notably as Clara Edwards on The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry R.F.D. She was also known for her roles in Rosemary’s Baby, MAS*H, and Foul Play. But how did she die and what was her cause of death? Here is a brief overview of her life and career, as well as the circumstances of her passing.
Early Life and Education
Hope Summers was born Sarah Hope Summers on June 7, 1902 in Mattoon, Illinois, according to NNDB. She was the daughter of John W. Summers, a doctor and future U.S. Representative, and Jennie Burks. She grew up in Illinois and later in Walla Walla, Washington, where her father was elected to the House.
She attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, graduating in 1923 from its Northwestern School of Speech. She stayed in Evanston, teaching speech and diction, then moved to Peoria, Illinois in 1926 when she became the head of the Speech Department at Bradley University, according to Wikipedia.
Acting Career
Summers started her acting career in the 1930s, performing in regional theaters and one-woman shows. She also worked in radio, appearing in many dramatic programs such as Authors’ Playhouse, First Night, Ma Perkins, and Step-Mother.
She made her television debut in 1951 on the soap opera Hawkins Falls, broadcast from Chicago. She moved to Hollywood in 1957 and began appearing in small roles in movies such as Zero Hour!, Hound-Dog Man, Inherit the Wind, Spencer’s Mountain, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, Charley Varrick, and Foul Play.
She also guest starred on dozens of TV shows such as Maverick, Wagon Train, State Trooper, Rescue 8, Peter Gunn, Dennis the Menace, It’s a Man’s World, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Hazel, Gunsmoke, The Danny Thomas Show, My Three Sons, Petticoat Junction, Love on a Rooftop, The Pruitts of Southampton, The Second Hundred Years, Adam-12 and The Paul Lynde Show.
She is best remembered for her role as Clara Edwards (later Clara Johnson), Aunt Bee’s best friend and a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary on The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry R.F.D. She appeared in 36 episodes of the former and five episodes of the latter between 1960 and 1971.
She also had a memorable role as Mrs. Gilmore, one of the friendly but sinister witches who befriend Mia Farrow’s character in Roman Polanski’s 1968 horror classic Rosemary’s Baby.
Her last TV role was as Mrs. Latham on the sitcom Another Day in 1978.
Personal Life and Death
Summers married Claude James Witherell in 1927 and had two children with him. He died in 1967. She never remarried.
She died on June 22, 1979 at the age of 77 in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California. Her cause of death was heart failure, according to Dead or Kicking.
She was cremated and her ashes were scattered at sea.
Legacy
Summers left behind a rich legacy of performances that showcased her range and skill as an actress. She could play warm and friendly characters as well as cold and menacing ones. She had a distinctive voice and a charming presence that made her stand out on screen.
She is fondly remembered by fans of The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry R.F.D., who consider her an integral part of the show’s ensemble. She is also admired by horror fans for her role in Rosemary’s Baby.
She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6619 Hollywood Boulevard.
She is survived by her two children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
