At 90, This Legendary Actress Faced Alzheimer's like Her Late Daughter – Who Is She?

A legendary actress who captivated audiences for decades is now facing a deeply personal battle. Her story becomes even more heartbreaking when you learn who walked the same path before her.

The actress's life has been filled with glamour, applause, and unforgettable roles — but behind the spotlight lies a quiet, devastating reality. Now, at 90, she is facing the same heartbreaking illness that once changed her daughter's life forever.

A Childhood Rooted in Change and Opportunity

Born on May 27, 1935, in Los Angeles, the future star experienced a childhood shaped by movement and growth. Her family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, after her younger brother Don was born.

A few years later, another move took them to San Francisco just as she was entering fifth grade. Despite the transitions, she remembered those early years fondly, describing them as happy and full of possibility.

While attending George Washington High School, she crossed paths with another rising talent — Johnny Mathis. He would later recall her as the girl he never saw without her hair in rollers, a small but vivid detail that hinted at her early charm.

A Pageant Win That Changed Everything

The actress's path to fame was not something she aggressively pursued at first. While studying Radio and TV/Theatre Arts at San Francisco City College, she entered a pageant almost by accident. “I never would have entered on my own,” she admitted.

Even more surprising was her victory, which left everyone — including herself — stunned. But her journey to Atlantic City nearly didn't happen. Shortly before the competition, her father passed away. She noted that she felt as though “the whole world had dropped out from under me.”

Encouraged by her mother, she pushed forward — a decision that would shape her future. Her mother remained a guiding force, as she later reflected, “I looked to her for guidance and support, and she always gave it unselfishly. Heavens, she practically raised my daughters while I was doing Barnaby Jones for eight years.”

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Following her reign as Miss America, doors quickly opened. The actress joined "The Today Show," using her scholarships to study under renowned acting coach Lee Strasberg. Her early career included a mix of television, film, and stage work.

For her first TV role, she appeared in "The Philco Television Playhouse" with Mary Astor. She then starred in "The 4-D Man," her first motion picture lead, alongside Robert Lansing.

Her first professional stage appearance was in "Hatful of Rain," with William Smithers and Lou Antonio. These roles laid the foundation for what would become a long and respected career in entertainment.

A Career That Defined Generations

Over the years, the actress built a legacy that spanned genres and decades. She became especially known for her roles in cult classics like "Batman: The Movie" and appearances in "Star Trek," "The Time Tunnel," and "Land of the Giants."

Her work on "Barnaby Jones" further cemented her place in television history. From 1973 to 1980, she appeared in 178 episodes as Betty Jones, becoming a familiar face in households across America.

The actress continues working today on television. Even so, live theatre remains her greatest passion, with a long-standing connection to Theatre West in Hollywood.

The Woman Behind the Legacy Revealed

The actress at the heart of this remarkable story is Lee Meriwether. Lee built not only a successful career but also a close-knit family life. She had two daughters from her first marriage to actor Frank Aletter.

Later, she found love again with Marshall Borden, whom she married after years of working together on stage. The couple met in San Antonio, where they both starred in a production of Angel Street ("Gaslight").

They also worked together in "Lion in Winter" and "Alone Together" before eventually having a personal relationship. On September 21 1986, in San Francisco, while starring in one of Marshall's plays, "The Artful Lodgers," they exchanged vows.

Lee looked like a drunken floozie at the wedding while Marshall appeared as a 150-year-old flighty ghost donning an Erte gown and sporting a large moustache and smoking a cigar. She recalled, “There he was, looking better in a dress than I do, and I still wanted to marry him!”

Aside from working with her husband, Lee also worked with her daughters, Kyle Oldham and Lesley Aletter. Family, by all accounts, was at the center of her world.

Kyle appeared with her mother in "The Gingerbread Lady" and "Last Summer at Bluefish Cove." Meanwhile, Lesley stunt doubled for her in the television travel show "It's a Wonderful World."

The actress's daughters were also featured with their mom in several "Circus of the Stars" shows and have all done commercials together.

A Life Still Full of Passion and Purpose

Even in later years, Lee remained active and engaged. She has taken on stage productions such as "Love Letters," "Long Day's Journey into Night," and "Rockers."

She also completed a second tour of "Nunsense," which originally began at Theatre West. Beyond the stage, Lee embraced one of the most demanding roles of her career through voice work, bringing John Saul's gothic thrillers to life.

These included "Second Child," "Shadows," "Guardian," "Black Lightning," the serialized "Blackstone Chronicles," "Black Creek Crossing," "Midnight Voices," among others.

Adding to her creative achievements, Lee adapted "Spoon River Anthology" into a powerful one-woman performance titled "The Women of Spoon River: Their Voices from the Hill," in which she portrayed 24 different women.

The production premiered at the Robinson Theater on the Indiana University Southeast campus in New Albany, Indiana, before moving to a multi-week run at Theatre West.

In a 2013 interview, Lee also revealed she was working on a memoir titled "From the Boardwalk to the Catwalk," though it has yet to be released.

A Lifelong Commitment to Giving Back

Beyond her work in entertainment, Lee has remained deeply involved in humanitarian efforts and charitable causes. She continues to serve as the Honorary Chairman of "ABILITY FIRST," formerly known as the "Crippled Children's Society."

She was also an honorary member of "Women in Show Business," a philanthropic organization that funded reconstructive surgery for children in need, and was twice honored as their "Angel of the Year."

Her dedication extended even further, having served as National Education Chairman of the "American Cancer Society" and as the Los Angeles Chairman for the "Cystic Fibrosis Foundation."

Over the years, she has also held a special place in her heart for organizations like the "Blind Children's Center," the "Jeffrey Foundation," and the pet-focused group "Actors and Others for Animals."

Her Most Cherished Role Yet

For all her accomplishments, Lee has often said her favorite role is being a grandmother. Her daughter, Kyle, gave birth to Ryan in December 1993.

Ever since, "Grandma Lee" has always been eager to spend time with her, whether it's for shopping trips or outings to the movies, especially if she can steal her away from Auntie Lesley.

Even while balancing life on stage, in front of the camera, or during family time, Lee has consistently managed to juggle multiple activities at once, embodying the same energy and dedication that defined her career.

A Devastating Health Battle Emerges

In early 2024, Lee faced one of the most difficult challenges of her life. It was revealed that both she and her daughter, Kyle, were battling Alzheimer's disease. Despite the diagnosis, Lee showed remarkable resilience.

In an interview shared, Kyle spoke about her mother's strength, noting that she continued working in theatre and memorizing lines. The revelation added a heartbreaking layer to an already emotional story.

The Tragic Loss of Her Daughter

Sadly, Kyle passed away from Alzheimer's on July 31, 2024, at the age of 64. She is survived by her child, Ryan Isabelle, and husband Rory Oldham.

Kyle had carved out her own path in entertainment. She appeared in projects like "The Day After," "Barnaby Jones," and "The Love Boat." She was also known for her connection to "The Price is Right." According to actor Randy West, Kyle's connection to the show began with a surprising twist.

After being selected as a contestant, a staffer who had gone to school with Kyle's mother reached out to Lee to ask if Kyle might be interested in modeling occasionally.

Kyle quickly became a fan favorite during her fill-in appearances and was even considered as a potential replacement for Holly Hallstrom when it was believed Holly might leave the show. Instead, she continued as a fill-in model for an impressive 14 years.

Fans React to a Life of Grace and Strength

Now, as Lee continues her own battle, she has occasionally granted interviews to media houses. Fans have reacted with heartfelt messages upon her appearances, reflecting on her legacy.

One admirer praised her timeless elegance, "A class act and what a surprise to see someone who knows how to dress properly in Hollywood."

Another fan celebrated her enduring presence, "A woman who is an example of class and beauty." A third fan summed it up simply, yet powerfully, "Truly, An American Treasure, Such Class!!"

Lee Meriwether's story is one of resilience, talent, and deep personal loss. From pageant stages to Hollywood sets, and now through one of life's toughest battles, her journey reflects both triumph and heartbreak.

As fans continue to honor her, one thing remains clear — her legacy is not just defined by her roles, but by the strength she has shown in the face of unimaginable challenges.