Who’s Still Alive From ‘Gidget’?
When Gidget premiered on September 15, 1965, viewers were introduced to Frances “Gidget” Lawrence, a spirited California teenager played by newcomer Sally Field. The ABC sitcom only ran for one season, ending in 1966, but it made a lasting impact as the launchpad for Field’s long career.
Nearly 60 years later, many of the cast members are gone, but a couple are still with us today. Let’s take a look at who’s still alive from the Gidget TV series.
Sally Field (78)
Frances “Gidget” Lawrence
Everett Collection; Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair
Field was just 18 years old when she landed the role of Gidget, and though the series was short-lived, it introduced her to audiences everywhere. She quickly moved on to The Flying Nun and later built a remarkable career with critically acclaimed performances in Sybil, Norma Rae (for which she won an Oscar), and Places in the Heart, (which won her a second Oscar), along with blockbuster hits like Smokey and the Bandit and Mrs. Doubtfire. In recent years, she’s appeared in projects like Brothers & Sisters and 80 for Brady.
Lynette Winter (79)
Larue Wilson
Everett Collection
Winter played Larue, Gidget’s loyal but quirky best friend who was allergic to the sun and hilariously unlucky around boys. After the show, she continued acting in guest spots on series like My Three Sons and Family Affair before stepping away from Hollywood. She went on to teach at La Jolla Country Day School in San Diego and occasionally appeared in regional theater. Today, Winter lives a quieter life out of the spotlight.
In Memoriam
Don Porter (Russell Lawrence) died on February 11, 1997, at age 84.
Betty Conner (Anne Cooper) is said to have died in 2021, at age 91.
Pete Duel (John Cooper) died on December 31, 1971, at age 31, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Stephen Mines (Jeff “Moondoggie” Matthews) died on May 21, 2019, at age 80.
Where to Watch Gidget
Gidget is available to watch for free with ads on Tubi.
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Classic TV Shows of the ’50s & ’60s
September 2020
Test your knowledge, from Bonanza and Gunsmoke to I Love Lucy, I Dream of Jeannie, Star Trek and more fun TV of the 1950s and 1960s.
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