Jan Shepard, a beloved actress known for her roles in TV Westerns and movies alongside Elvis Presley, passed away at the age of 96. Her son, Brandon Boyle, confirmed that she died on Jan. 17 at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank due to pneumonia and respiratory failure.
Shepard’s career included appearances on popular TV shows such as Rawhide, The Virginian, and Gunsmoke, as well as starring roles in movies like King Creole (1958) and Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966) opposite Elvis Presley. She also appeared in cult classics like Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959).
Born Josephine Angela Sorbello in 1928, Shepard started her acting career in Los Angeles after moving there in 1949. She appeared in numerous TV shows and films over the years, including soap operas like The Clear Horizon and Day in Court.
One of Shepard’s most memorable roles was as Mimi in King Creole, where she starred alongside Elvis Presley. She described it as the “break of her life” and shared fond memories of working with Presley on set.
Shepard’s personal life also included a long-lasting marriage to actor Dirk London, known for his role in Wyatt Earp. They were married from 1954 until London’s passing in 2022.
Shepard is survived by her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nephew, and their families. Her legacy as a talented actress in the world of TV Westerns and Hollywood cinema will be dearly missed by fans and loved ones alike.