Gayle Hunnicutt was an American film, television, and stage actress who made more than 30 film appearances.
She was born on February 6, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas, and attended the University of California, Los Angeles.
During her film career, Hunnicutt was typecast as a brunette sexpot and portrayed Emaline Fetty, a con woman trying to extort money from the Clampetts in two episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies in 1966.
She co-starred with James Garner in the detective film Marlowe (1969), in which her character was a glamorous Hollywood actress.
Hunnicutt was married twice, first to British actor David Hemmings, with whom she had a son, the actor Nolan Hemmings; they divorced in 1975.
She later married journalist Simon Jenkins in 1978, and they divorced in 2009.
Remembering the lovely Gayle Hunnicutt, who has died, aged 80 – a fine actress & a gifted, kind & generous person. (More than 40 years ago she gamely turned up to support me when I first broke the record for longest-ever after-dinner speech.) Thank you, Gayle. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/sTqkSbOcTO
— Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) September 5, 2023
Gayle Hunnicutt cause of death
Hunnicutt died on August 31, 2023, at the age of 80.
Her death was confirmed by her former husband, Simon Jenkins, although, the cause of her death has not been revealed to the public.
Fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the actress.
Gayle Hunnicutt career
Hunnicutt attended the University of California, Los Angeles, on a scholarship to study English literature and theatre.
She worked as a fashion model before becoming an actress.
Hunnicutt’s acting career began in the 1960s, and she made more than 30 film appearances.
During her film career, she was often typecast as a brunette sexpot.
She portrayed Emaline Fetty, a con woman trying to extort money from the Clampetts in two episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies.
Hunnicutt’s television career included roles on The Beverly Hillbillies, Get Smart, and The Love Boat.
Her stage career included performances in London’s West End and on Broadway.
Hunnicutt was featured in an episode of the HGTV reality show Selling London in 2012.
She also wrote two books, the first of which, Health and Beauty in Motherhood, was published in 1984.
Hunnicutt’s career spanned over three decades, and she was known for her talent and versatility as an actress.
Never saw her give a bad performance. What a loss. RIP Gayle Hunnicutt, your talent will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/eNhD6jw7Wd
— Tess de Wollaston (@TessdeWollaston) September 4, 2023