- Born
- Died
- Birth nameJanice Miner
- Nicknames
- Tilly
- Madge
- Jan Miner was born on October 15, 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. She was an actress, known for Mermaids (1990), The Swimmer (1968) and Lenny (1974). She was married to Richard Merrell, Terry O'Sullivan, Thomas Samuel Carr and John Harvey Campbell Berry. She died on February 15, 2004 in Bethel, Connecticut, USA.
- SpousesRichard Merrell(May 6, 1963 - September 13, 1998) (his death)Terry O'Sullivan(July 6, 1953 - 1962) (divorced)Thomas Samuel Carr(1942 - 1947) (divorced)John Harvey Campbell Berry(October 24, 1936 - 1939) (divorced)
- ParentsWalter Curtis MinerEthel Lindsey Chase
- She became a TV icon to generations of viewers as Madge, the wisecracking manicurist for Palmolive Dishwashing Detergent. She played this role for 27 years, one of the longest ongoing product endorsement relationships in TV history.
- She made the Palmolive commercials in French, German, Danish and Italian. Was coached in French by legendary actress Eva Le Gallienne.
- Renown, ebullient actress of the New York stage, particularly well-regarded for her Shakespearean work.
- For many years Miner and her husband called a rambling cottage in Bethel, Connecticut their country home. Retiring to Heritage Village in nearby Southbury, Connecticut for several years, it was there where Merrell predeceased her. Ironically Miner returned to her long-time hometown of Bethel where she was admitted to a convalescent facility and remained until her death.
- Co-starred as Mary Wesley on the syndicated radio show "Boston Blackie" (1945-1949).
- "I'd dip my hands in Palmolive the rest of my life," (reflecting on her past experience in Palmolive commercials gave her the ability to pick and choose her theater roles)
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
