Betty McGuire, ‘Growing Pains’ Actress, Dies at 100
Betty McGuire, the actress best known for playing grandmother Kate Malone on the ABC sitcom “Growing Pains,” has died. She was 100.
McGuire died of natural causes on Oct. 8 at the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s Wasserman Campus in Woodland Hills, California. Her power of attorney, Keith Gerchak, confirmed her death, and news of her passing was shared publicly over the weekend.
Born March 20, 1926, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, McGuire enjoyed a career that stretched across more than five decades, moving from the Broadway stage to film and television. She had no survivors.
A Familiar Face on ‘Growing Pains’
For many television viewers, McGuire will be remembered as Kate Malone, the mother of Maggie Seaver, played by Joanna Kerns, on “Growing Pains.”
The family sitcom, which aired on ABC from 1985 to 1992, followed the Seaver family and made stars of its young cast, including Kirk Cameron and Tracey Gold. McGuire’s character popped in periodically as Maggie’s mom, adding a grandmotherly presence to the busy household.
She appeared in 12 episodes between 1986 and 1991, spanning six of the show’s seven seasons. That long association made her a familiar face to the millions of viewers who tuned in each week.
From Broadway to Hollywood
Before she became known to television audiences, McGuire built a career on stage. She made her Broadway debut in the musical “Plain and Fancy,” which ran from 1955 to 1956.
She went on to appear in two more Broadway productions, “Happy Hunting” and “Oh, Captain!” Along the way, she worked alongside performers including Ethel Merman, Barbara Cook, Bea Arthur and Tony Randall.
McGuire also starred in touring productions of classic musicals and plays, including “Auntie Mame,” “Gypsy” and “Oliver!”
A Long Career on Screen
McGuire’s screen career took off in the 1970s and continued for decades. She appeared on a wide range of popular television series, including “The Doris Day Show,” “Columbo,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Falcon Crest,” “Moonlighting” and “MacGyver.”
Her credits stretched well into later decades, with roles on “Murphy Brown,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “ER,” “7th Heaven” and “CSI: Miami.”
On the big screen, she had roles in films like “Up in Smoke”, the 1978 Cheech & Chong comedy, as well as Michael Crichton’s medical thriller “Coma.” She also appeared in “Hometown USA,” “The Incredible Shrinking Woman” and the horror film “Wishmaster.”
Her final screen credit came in the 2009 film “Play the Game.”
A Life of Service
Away from the camera, McGuire dedicated time to helping others. In her later years, she volunteered as a receptionist and advocate at the Coalition for Economic Survival, a legal clinic in Los Angeles that supports low-income tenants facing eviction.
McGuire had lived at the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s retirement community in Woodland Hills since 2017. From the Broadway stage to the Seaver family living room, her career touched audiences across generations, and her work beyond acting reflected a commitment to her community.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.