The Timeless Charm Of Yvonne De Carlo: From 'The Munsters' To Broadway

There’s something truly magical about the way America fell in love with the frightfully lovely Lily Munster from the classic TV show The Munsters. But here's a little secret: the actress behind that iconic character, Yvonne De Carlo, wasn’t always a fan of her on-screen transformation. It took some time for her to fully embrace the role that would become so beloved by fans around the world.

In her own words, Yvonne admitted, “When the show started, I could barely look at myself in a mirror with that makeup. And I would be appalled when people recognized me without it.” But as time went on, something incredible happened. She began receiving heartfelt fan mail from kids who wrote things like, “You are the most beautiful-est vampire I have ever seen.” These sweet messages started to change her perspective, and she began to feel a sense of pride in her work. “Almost,” she joked.

A Challenging Transition for a Talented Actress

When The Munsters premiered in 1964, it marked a challenging period for Yvonne De Carlo. For decades, she had graced the silver screen with her incredible talent, starring in over 50 films during the 1940s and '50s, including the epic The Ten Commandments in 1956. Despite her vast experience and undeniable beauty, by the 1960s, Yvonne found herself struggling to secure new roles. It was a tough transition for an actress of her caliber.

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Pop culture historian Geoffrey Mark reflects on her career, saying, “She was a talented lady and quite beautiful. But she often seemed hired to smolder, like a prop rather than as a fully developed character.” This observation sheds light on the challenges she faced in finding meaningful roles that truly showcased her range as an actress.

A Life of Challenges and Resilience

The challenges Yvonne faced weren’t limited to her professional life. Her personal life was also filled with trials and tribulations. Prior to joining the cast of The Munsters, Yvonne was dealing with a difficult situation at home. Her husband, stuntman Robert Morgan, suffered a devastating accident in 1962 while filming How the West Was Won. He lost his leg and nearly his life when he was run over by a train. The couple, who had three children, were overwhelmed by medical bills. But through it all, Yvonne remained resilient. She once said, “Before the accident, we were on the verge of breaking up, but when they took me to the hospital … I just choked up and only one thought filled my mind: I don’t want my husband to die.” They stayed together until 1973.

From Television to the Stage

Even though Lily Munster became one of her most iconic roles, Yvonne’s career didn’t stop there. In 1971, she made a splash on Broadway, delivering a powerful performance in Stephen Sondheim’s Follies. Her rendition of the survivor’s anthem “I’m Still Here” was unforgettable. Yvonne continued to act well into the 1990s, proving that her talent and determination were unstoppable. She passed away in 2007 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

Despite her incredible body of work, Yvonne is often remembered for just a handful of roles. Frank DeCaro, author of Drag: Combing Through the Big Wigs of Show Business, puts it perfectly: “Because she got these home runs that are so spectacular, it’s enough for her to be in your heart forever.”

— Ed Gross

For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of Closer magazine, on newsstands now. 

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