Hollywood mourns the loss of veteran actress Alice Hirson. She wasĀ best known for her roles in iconic television shows like Dallas, Ellen, and numerous beloved soap operas. Hirson passed away peacefully from natural causes on February 14, 2025, at the age of 95, at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California.
With a television career that spanned more than six decades, Alice Hirson left an unforgettable mark on American pop culture, seamlessly transitioning between dramatic soap operas and light-hearted sitcoms, while captivating generations of viewers along the way.
From Daytime Dramas to Prime-Time Royalty
She was born in New York City on March 10, 1929. Alice Hirson began her career in theater before quickly becoming a staple on daytime television. Soap opera fans remember her powerful performances in The Edge of Night, Another World, One Life to Live, and General Hospital ā shows that shaped the golden era of daytime drama.
In the 1980s, Hirson reached a new level of fame playing Mavis Anderson on the legendary nighttime soap Dallas. As the loyal friend to Miss Ellie Ewing, Hirson appeared regularly from 1982 to 1988, earning the admiration of millions of weekly viewers.
Her versatility was again on display when she joined the cast of Ellen, playing Lois Morgan, Ellen DeGeneresā overbearing (yet hilariously lovable) mother. Hirsonās comedic timing and on-screen warmth made her a fan favorite throughout the show’s five-year run from 1994 to 1998.
Ā A Career Full of Memorable Moments
Throughout her career, Hirson also made guest appearances on an impressive list of iconic shows, including:
Maude
The Waltons
Full House
Murphy Brown
Just Shoot Me!
7th Heaven
The Secret Life of the American Teenager
In addition to her television work, she held roles in films such as Private Benjamin and Being There, showcasing her range across genres.
Tributes Pour In
Following the announcement of her passing, fans, actors, and industry professionals shared an outpouring of grief and gratitude online.
> āAlice was one of the classiest and most grounded performers I ever worked with. She brought heart to every role,ā one former Dallas co-star posted on social media.
> āShe made us laugh, cry, and think ā often all in the same scene. A true television legend,ā wrote another.
A Lasting Legacy
Alice Hirsonās ability to cross genresāfrom the drama of soaps to the humor of sitcomsācemented her place as a television icon. Her legacy isnāt just in the dozens of roles she played, but in the hearts of the audiences who grew up watching her.
She is survived by her family and a wide community of admirers who continue to celebrate her work and contributions to American television.
Rest in Peace, Alice Hirson
March 10, 1929 ā February 14, 2025
A queen of both drama and comedy. Your light will never fade.
