The Waltons actress Sian Barbara Allen has died at the age of 78, her family have confirmed. The star was most famed for her role in the American historical drama series
Sian Barbara Allen has died.
The actress, known for her role in the beloved American historical drama series The Waltons, has passed away aged 78. The star, who also graced the in films such as You’ll Like My Mother and Billy Two Hats, died on March 31 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Her family released a touching statement: “Sian was most often cast in roles in which her characters showed great vulnerability and uncommon empathy, which won her a legion of fans all over the world.”
“Sian’s favorite things in the world were her family, mystery books, C-SPAN, poetry, all things Ireland, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon’s Graceland album, mac and cheese, root beer floats and bacon cheeseburgers (no lettuce or tomato).”
They continued: “She lived her final year of life in North Carolina, surrounded by all of her favorite things, new friends, and more time with [her daughter] Emily than she’d had in 35 years.”
Sian’s final bow was in 1990 with an appearance on LA Law, after which she retreated from the limelight to focus on her passions for poetry and politics. She leaves behind her daughter Emily, sisters Hannah and Meg, a nephew, and her former husband Peter Gelblum.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late star, with one fan writing: “I have often thought of Sian Barbara Allen and wondered where she went… she made an indelible mark on my young brain watching her in various TV shows and of course, You’ll Like My Mother,” reports the Express.
Another shared: “Sian was one of my first FB friends. I was just writing about her to her sister and how she was mentored in her acting career by Richard Chamberlain who had just passed himself.”
“Fairly recently she wanted to get in touch with him to thank him. She will be so missed, a lovely lady. She wanted to write about the time she lived with Bette Davis but never got around to it. Again, a lovely lady.”
In a heartfelt request, Emily, Sian’s daughter, has asked fans to celebrate her mother’s memory in unique ways instead of a traditional service. She suggested: “Donate to a local, grassroots organization working to combat systems of oppression.”
She also encouraged donations to AuthoraCare Collective Hospice of Burlington, which provided comfort in Sian’s final months, saying: “Donate to AuthoraCare Collective Hospice of Burlington who ensured Sian spent her final months peaceful and free of pain.”
“Please consider directing your gift to support patients and families needing financial assistance to provide for loved ones.”
Emily offered other touching tributes such as: “Read your favorite book in bed”, “Listen to the entire Graceland album or any of Bob Dylan’s music”, and “Eat some mac and cheese, a bacon cheeseburger or drink a rootbeer float.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
