TV actress Peggy Rea dies

Published 4:00 am Sunday, February 13, 2011

Peggy Rea, a matronly actress who had supporting roles on popular television series from the 1970s to the ’90s, died Feb. 5 at her home in Toluca Lake, Calif. She was 89.

The cause was complications of heart failure, Kimmie Burks, a friend, said.

Rea played Rose Burton, Olivia Walton’s cousin, on “The Waltons”; Lulu Hogg, Boss Hogg’s wife, on “The Dukes of Hazzard”; and Jean Kelly, the mother-in-law of Brett Butler’s character, on “Grace Under Fire.”

Rea’s first role on television was as a nurse on “I Love Lucy” in 1953. She also appeared on “All in the Family,” “Step by Step” and “Gunsmoke,” among other shows.

Burks said no immediate family members survive.

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