Who Was She? Although she appeared on many TV shows, including Charlie's Angels and Dallas, Gretchen Wyler's rise to prominence came on the stage, as she appeared on Broadway in six original productions in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, including Guys and Dolls and Bye Bye Birdie. Her lasting legacy, however, is her animal rights activism, founding the Genesis Awards, which honour media individuals doing outstanding work to raise public awareness of animal issues. Past winners include Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey. She died of breast cancer in 2007, at the age of 75.
Role On Friends: Mrs Burkart in The One With The Dirty Girl. She's the widow who hires Monica and Phoebe to cater for her husband's wake, but then turns on the waterworks when the subject of payment comes up. She got to show off her Broadway talents as well, singing and dancing when Monica was out of the room.
NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far.
A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.
