Beverley Owen, the Original Marilyn on ‘The Munsters,’ Dies at 81

Beverley Owen, who originated the role of Marilyn Munster on CBS 1964-66 sitcom “The Munsters,” died on February 21. She was 81. The news of her death was shared by fellow cast member, Butch Patrick, who played Eddie Munster, in a Facebook post as follows: “Beautiful Beverly Owen has left us. What a sweet soul. I had the biggest crush on her. RIP Bev and thanks for your 13 memorable Marilyn Munster episodes.”

Owen, who was born Beverley Ogg in Ottumwa, Iowa on May 13, 1937, left her role on “The Munsters” to get married to writer and producer Jon Stone. They were married for seven years and have two daughters, Polly and Kate.  Pat Priest took over the role of Marilyn, and appeared in the rest of the series’ 57 episodes. And Debbie Watson played Marilyn in 1966 theatrical, “Munster, Go Home.”

Prior to “The Munsters,” Owen guest-starred in episodes of westerns “Wagon Train” and “The Virginian,” and daytime dramas “Another World” and “The Doctors.”