Beth Trafford Peters (born Mary Elizabeth Trafford; 1932 – March 14, 2024) was an American actress.

Beth Trafford Peters
Born
Mary Elizabeth Trafford

1932 (1932)
DiedMarch 14, 2024(2024-03-14) (aged 92)
Florida, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Alma materManasquan High School
OccupationActress
Years active1955–2024
Spouse
Jack Danon
(died 1996)
Children3

Early life and education

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Born Mary Elizabeth Trafford and raised in Manasquan, New Jersey, Peters started her acting and singing career as a teenager at Manasquan High School, where she performed in school plays and graduated in 1949.[1]

Career

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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.[2] Her other musical appearances include Sound of Music, Big River, Show Boat, and Funny Girl.[3] 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.[4]

Personal life and death

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Peters' husband actor Jack Danon predeceased her in 1996. She had one child and two stepchildren.[5]

Peters died after a brief illness in Florida, on March 14, 2024, at age 92.[4]

Selected filmography

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References

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  1. ^ Clarke, Carole A. "Manasquan Native, Star Of Theater, Visits Shore", The Coast Star, January 29, 1981. 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."
  2. ^ Major, Michael. "Broadway Alum Beth Peters Dies; The GENERAL HOSPITAL Star Was 92". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  3. ^ Holmes, Martin (March 20, 2024). "'General Hospital' Actress Beth Peters Dies at 92". TV Insider. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Thompson, Jaden (March 18, 2024). "Beth Peters, Actor on 'General Hospital,' Dies at 92". Variety. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  5. ^ "Beth Peters, GH's Mrs. Whitaker, Dead at 92". Yahoo Life. March 19, 2024. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
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