Actress Myrna Fahey transitioned from small-town life in Maine to become a recognizable face of television and film during Hollywood’s Golden Age. She is best remembered for her role as Madeline Usher in Roger Corman’s 1960 horror classic The Fall of the House of Usher and as Maria Crespo in Disney’s Zorro. Fahey built a diverse screen career across dozens of major television productions before cancer tragically cut her life short at the age of 40.
Born on March 12, 1933, Myrna Elisabeth Fahey spent her early childhood in Carmel, Maine. Her family later moved to Bangor and eventually settled in Southwest Harbor. Her father, Francis Edward Fahey, worked locally as a shipbuilder, while her mother, Olevia Newcomb Fahey, managed the household. Growing up near the coast of Maine, Fahey was an active child who enjoyed swimming, dancing, and outdoor activities. Acting was not her initial ambition. As a teenager, she envisioned a career as a teacher, designer, or outdoor guide and briefly worked at the Rines Co. store on Main Street in downtown Bangor.
Her perspective shifted during her senior year at Pemetic High School. At age 17, seeking greater excitement than her hometown offered, she resolved to pursue a career in performance. Despite her parents’ initial reservations-her father likened the announcement to a career choice as a spaceship gunner-Fahey remained steadfast. She moved to California, attended the Pasadena College of Theatre Arts, and trained at the Pasadena Playhouse under family friend and writer John Butler. She also studied under Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse.
Building a Prolific Television and Film Career
Like many aspiring actors of her era, Fahey started humbly. She appeared in commercials for household products before securing on-screen acting roles. By her own count, she performed in approximately 40 television plays during the mid-1950s. Her film debut came with an uncredited role in the 1955 noir crime drama I Died a Thousand Times, starring Jack Palance and Lee Marvin. Additional film credits included Jeanne Eagels (1957), Face of a Fugitive (1959), Imitation of Life (1959), and The Story on Page One (1960), where she worked alongside screen legends like Rita Hayworth.
Fahey achieved widespread recognition through her television work. In 1958, she joined the cast of Walt Disney’s popular series Zorro as Maria Crespo. Her wholesome screen presence and classic beauty frequently brought comparisons to Elizabeth Taylor. This resemblance helped her secure the lead role of Katherine ‘Kay’ Banks in the television sitcom adaptation of Father of the Bride (1961-1962).
Throughout the 1960s, Fahey appeared in nearly 40 different television series, demonstrating remarkable versatility across genres. Her television guest credits included:
- Perry Mason (appearing in four separate episodes as different characters)
- Bonanza
- Maverick
- Gunsmoke
- Batman (playing the character Blaze in 1966)
- 77 Sunset Strip
- The Time Tunnel
- Peyton Place
The Definitive Role: The Fall of the House of Usher
Fahey’s most enduring cinematic legacy belongs to horror cinema. In 1960, director Roger Corman cast her as Madeline Usher in The Fall of the House of Usher, an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s gothic tale. Starring opposite Vincent Price as her unstable brother Roderick Usher, Fahey delivered a chilling, critically praised performance as the cataleptic sister entombed alive. The film launched Corman’s celebrated Poe cycle and remains a cornerstone of American horror history.
Despite her success, Fahey frequently voiced frustration over typecasting. Studios and directors often confined her to wholesome “good girl” parts due to what executives described as her inherent “moral overtones.” Privately, Fahey sought out more complex, dramatic material and colorful character roles, pushing against the limitations Hollywood tried to place on her screen persona.
Personal Life and Later Years
Away from studio sets, Fahey maintained a private life distinct from typical Hollywood socializing. She preferred outdoor activities like skiing and boating over industry parties. She was also known for her sharp financial acumen, actively investing in the stock market and even requesting a stock ticker be installed in her dressing room.
Her high-profile romances included dating baseball icon Joe DiMaggio in 1964. That relationship drew intense public scrutiny when Fahey became the target of death threats investigated by the FBI. The threats originated from an individual troubled by DiMaggio’s past marriage to Marilyn Monroe.
As the 1960s concluded, Fahey continued working in television programs such as Marcus Welby, M.D. and The Immortal. Toward the end of her life, she faced a private battle with cancer.
Death and Legacy
Myrna Fahey passed away on May 6, 1973, at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, following her prolonged illness with cancer. She was 40 years old. True to her New England heritage, her final resting place is at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery in Bangor, Maine.
Though her life was cut short, Fahey left behind a diverse body of work across television and film. Classic cinema enthusiasts and horror fans continue to celebrate her contributions, ensuring that her talent, elegance, and memorable performances endure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrna Fahey
Who was Myrna Fahey?
Myrna Fahey (March 12, 1933 – May 6, 1973) was an American television and film actress of the Golden Age of Television. She is best recognized for her roles in Disney’s Zorro and Roger Corman’s The Fall of the House of Usher.
What are Myrna Fahey’s most famous roles?
She is best known for playing Madeline Usher opposite Vincent Price in the 1960 horror film The Fall of the House of Usher and Maria Crespo in the television series Zorro (1958). She also starred in the sitcom Father of the Bride (1961-1962).
How did Myrna Fahey die?
Fahey died on May 6, 1973, at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, after battling cancer. She was 40 years old.
Was Myrna Fahey related to or named after anyone famous?
She was named after iconic Hollywood actress Myrna Loy. Throughout her career, reviewers and fans frequently noted her striking physical resemblance to Elizabeth Taylor.
Did Myrna Fahey appear in the television series Batman?
Yes, Fahey appeared in a two-part episode of the 1966 Batman television series playing the character Blaze alongside Adam West.
Where is Myrna Fahey buried?
Although she spent much of her adult life in California for her acting career, Fahey was returned to her home state and is buried at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery in Bangor, Maine.
