Alice Hirson,DallasActress and Ellen DeGeneres' TV Mom onEllen, Dies at 95

Mar. 15, 2025

Alice Hirson and Ellen DeGeneres.Photo:ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Alice Hirson has died.

The actress died at the age of 95 on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, according toThe Hollywood Reporter.Her son, David Hirson, reportedly told the outlet his mother had been at the facility for a year leading up to her death, which was a result of natural causes.

Alice was known for playing Mavis Anderson onDallasfrom 1982 until 1988. Her character appeared in 26 episodes of the series as the best friend of Barbara Bel Geddes’ Ellie and the wife of Morgan Woodward’s Punk Anderson. Alice’s husband, Stephen Elliott, was also on the show as lawyer Scotty Demarest.

She will also be remembered for her time working withEllen DeGenereson the ABC sitcomEllen.For 28 episodes from 1994 to 1998, Alice played DeGeneres’ mom, Lois Morgan, who didn’t know her daughter was gay until she came out in a 1997 episode, around the same time the comedian came out as lesbian in real life.

Ellen Degeneres, Alice Hirson, Steven Gilborn.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Originally from Long Island, New York, Alice attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. After graduating in 1948, she was cast in a touring production ofOn the Townas Lucy Shmeeler.

In 1952, she played Lucy in the anthology seriesHallmark Hall of Fame.That same year, she married Roger O. Hirson, and the two divorced in the 1970s.

In 1964, she made her Broadway debut inTraveller Without Luggage,where she met Elliott, who she later married in the ‘80s. They were together until his death in 2005.

She appeared on Broadway again in 1966 forThe Investigationand in 1971 forSolitaire/Double Solitaire.

Alice later became a series regular on the NBC sitcomHome Firesin 1992, going on to take a recurring role on7th Heavenas Jenny Jackson from 1996 to 2006.

Alice Hirson.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

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She had also appeared on several soap operas, includingThe Edge of Nightas Stephanie Martin,Another Worldand its spinoffSomersetas Marsha Davis,One Life to Liveas Eileen Siegel,General Hospitalas Mrs. Van Gelder andLovingas Dr. Lisa Helman.

source: people.com