Beth Peters
{{Short description|American actress (1931–2024)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Beth Trafford Peters
| image = Beth Peters.jpeg
| birth_name = Mary Elizabeth Trafford
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1931|4|20}}
| birth_place = Manasquan, New Jersey, U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2024|3|14|1931|4|20}}
| death_place = Florida, U.S.
| alma_mater = Manasquan High School
| occupation = Actress
| years_active = 1955–2024
| spouse = {{Marriage|Jack Danon||1996|reason=died}}
| children = 3
}}
Beth Trafford Peters (born Mary Elizabeth Trafford; April 20, 1931 – March 14, 2024) was an American actress.
Early life and education
Born Mary Elizabeth Trafford in Manasquan, New Jersey on April 20, 1931,{{Cite web |last=F. |first=Matthew C. |date=April 21, 2024 |title=General Hospital Star, Beth Peters, Dies at 92 |url=https://tvovermind.com/beth-peters-dead-at-92/ |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=TV Overmind}} Peters started her acting and singing career as a teenager at Manasquan High School, where she performed in school plays and graduated in 1949.Clarke, Carole A (January 29, 1981). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-coast-star-actress-beth-peters-of-ma/144132903/ "Manasquan Native, Star Of Theater, Visits Shore"]. The Coast Star. Accessed March 25, 2024, via Newspapers.com. "Beth Trafford Peters, class of 1949 at Manasquan High School an member of the cast of General Hospital on Channel 7, pours coffee during interview in her family's home in Manasquan.... But only if you are a member of the Manasquan High School class of 1949, or a nearby neighbor or close friend of the family would you have identified this vivacious personality as the onetime Miss Mary Elizabeth Trafford."
Career
She first appeared on Broadway as an extra on Inherit the Wind, later portraying Mrs. Brady in the show. In the early 1980s, Peters appeared in eight episodes of General Hospital as the character Mrs. Whitaker. Peters acted in regional theaters for much of her career, appearing on stage at venues including the Sacramento Music Circus, Circle Star Theatre and the Carousel Theater. Her television credits include Mr. Belvedere, Quantum Leap, Hart to Hart, Simon and Simon, Highway to Heaven and The Waltons. Peters portrayed the role Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man more than 20 times.{{Cite web |last=Major |first=Michael |title=Broadway Alum Beth Peters Dies; The GENERAL HOSPITAL Star Was 92 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Broadway-Alum-Beth-Peters-Dies-The-GENERAL-HOSPITAL-Star-Was-92-20240319 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=}} Her other musical appearances include Sound of Music, Big River, Show Boat, and Funny Girl.{{Cite web |last=Holmes |first=Martin |date=March 20, 2024 |title='General Hospital' Actress Beth Peters Dies at 92 |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/1127543/general-hospital-beth-peters-dead-mrs-whitaker/ |access-date=March 20, 2024 |website=TV Insider |language=}} She also appeared in films, including Where Love Has Gone, Fitzwilly and Back to School. Peters was a longstanding member of the Actor’s Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Jaden |date=March 18, 2024 |title=Beth Peters, Actor on ‘General Hospital,’ Dies at 92 |url=https://variety.com/2024/theater/news/beth-peters-dead-general-hospital-1235945235/ |access-date=March 20, 2024 |website=Variety}}
Personal life and death
Peters' husband actor Jack Danon predeceased her in 1996. She had one child and two stepchildren.{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2024 |title=Beth Peters, GH’s Mrs. Whitaker, Dead at 92 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/beth-peters-gh-mrs-whitaker-144156986.html |access-date=March 20, 2024 |website=Yahoo Life |language=}} Peters resided in Ocala, Florida as of 2005.{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Jannet |last2=Rizzo |first2=Marian |date=November 30, 2005 |title=Soap life |url=https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2005/12/01/soap-life/31150063007/ |access-date=January 27, 2025 |website=Ocala StarBanner}}
Peters died after a brief illness in Florida, on March 14, 2024, at the age of 92.
Selected filmography
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|id=0676343}}
- {{Rotten Tomatoes person|id=beth_peters}}
- {{URL|https://www.tvinsider.com/people/beth-peters/|Beth Peters}} at TV Insider
- {{TV Guide person|id=3000070473}}
- {{TCMDb name|id=150975%7C0}}
- [https://tv.apple.com/mx/person/beth-peters/umc.cpc.1zvl7f8s4kuvvdxuw26whdfn0 Beth Peters Films and Shows], Apple TV+
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Peters, Beth}}
Category:20th-century American actresses
Category:Actresses from New Jersey
Category:American musical theatre actresses
Category:American television actresses
Category:American film actresses
Category:Manasquan High School alumni