Actress Sian Barbara Allen Passes Away at 78
Sian Barbara Allen, a prominent figure in the film and television industry, notably recognized for her roles in films like You’ll Like My Mother and Billy Two Hats, has passed away at the age of 78. Her family reported that she died on Monday in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Known for her powerful portrayals that often showcased “great vulnerability and uncommon empathy,”Allen’s contributions to the arts will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.
Career Highlights
Allen’s acting career began in the early 1970s, where she made her mark with significant roles in telefilms. Notably, she starred alongside Bette Davis and Ted Bessell in the 1973 production Scream, Pretty Peggy, and appeared in the emotional drama Eric alongside Claude Akins and Patricia Neal in 1975. Her performance in The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case (1976), where she played the wife of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, further solidified her reputation in the industry.
Born on July 12, 1946, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Allen was primarily raised by her mother Ruth and grandmother Etta. After graduating from Reading Senior High School, she obtained a scholarship to the Pasadena Playhouse, where she honed her acting skills.
From Universal Contract Player to Beloved Character
As one of the last contract players at Universal Studios, Allen made her cinematic debut in You’ll Like My Mother (1972) as a developmental delayed character, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising New Actress. Following this, she depicted an unhappy mail-order bride in the Western movie Billy Two Hats (1974), featuring Gregory Peck.
In the mid-1970s, Allen reunited with Richard Thomas on the CBS hit series The Waltons, where she portrayed Jenny Pendleton, a character who became a significant love interest for Thomas’ John-Boy Walton. Their off-screen friendship led to camaraderie that was palpable on screen, further enchanting viewers.
Expansive Television Footprint
Allen’s diverse acting portfolio also included television staples such as Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law, Columbo, The Rockford Files, and others, showcasing her talent across various genres. Additionally, she co-wrote a 1978 episode of Baretta alongside series creator Stephen J. Cannell.
A Life Beyond Acting
After her final acting role in a 1990 episode of L.A. Law, Allen shifted her focus to activism and politics. She played a vital role in Jackie Goldberg’s successful 1993 campaign for the L.A. City Council and was a dedicated supporter of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers. Furthermore, she was an accomplished poet, leaving behind a wealth of written work that her family treasures.
Legacy and Survivors
Allen is survived by her daughter Emily, whom she named after the character she portrayed in Our Town, along with her son-in-law Max, sisters Hannah and Meg, nephew Miles, grandson Arlo, and her ex-husband Peter Gelblum, with whom she was married from 1979 until their divorce in 2001. She spent her last year in North Carolina, and those wishing to honor her memory can contribute to the AuthoraCare Collective Hospice of Burlington.
As the entertainment community mourns the loss of Sian Barbara Allen, her legacy lives on through her performances and the impact she had on the lives of many.