In Memory of Harriet MacGibbon (Mrs. Drysdale on 'Beverly Hillbillies'): 37 Years After Her Demise

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It's been nearly 40 years since actress Harriet MacGibbon died on February 8, 1987, from a heart attack. Her most famous role was that of Margaret Drysdale, the self-absorbed TV spouse to Raymond Bailey's panic-stricken Milburn Drysdale the beloved classic TV rural comedy, The Beverly Hillbillies (CBS, 1962-1971).

A Closer Look

Harriet MacGibbon was born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Dr. Walter Peter McGibbon, a physician, and Gertrude L. Crary. Although it was never explained why she added an "a" to her surname, the actress was credited a few times as McGibbon.

MacGibbon was "finished" at Knox School, Cooperstown, New York, where she prepared for Vassar. Leaving before receiving a diploma, MacGibbon pursued acting. She initially studied with Franklin H. Sargent at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where she focused on voice, piano, and harp lessons.

MacGibbon went on to enjoy a lengthy and lauded career on the New York stage before her foray into film and television.

Beginning in 1950, the actress made several TV guest appearances including those on Ray Milland's sitcom Meet Mr. McNutley. She appeared in only five films for the big screen, including director Vincent Minnelli's Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1962), starring Glenn Ford, Ingrid Thulin, Charles Boyer, and Lee J. Cobb

Unlike her performances in the live theatre, MacGibbon's TV and movie characters consisted more often than not of uppity society females with an attitude.

Case in point: Mrs. Margaret Drysdale, a character frustrated with the country bumkin antics of the Clampett family (Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Donna Douglas, Maxwell Baer, Jr.) on The Beverly Hillbillies.

Off-Screen

Behind the scenes, Harriet MacGibbon was wed twice. First, to William R. Kane (divorced), and then to, Charles Corwin White, II. The second marriage ended with White's demise on December 25, 1967. She had one child, a son, William MacGibbon Kane (February 2, 1933 – April 2, 1977), who predeceased her.

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