Life and career

Bulifant was born in Newport News, Virginia. In the 1940s, after appearing on Broadway, she appeared in numerous television programs, including Channing, Empire, and The Virginian. She played an intended murder victim in a 1961 episode ("An Attractive Family") of Thriller. She played innocent defendant "Nancy Banks" in the Perry Mason 1963 episode "The Case of the Ice-Cold Hands", the second of her two appearances on that show.

In 1963, she appeared in an episode of The Real McCoys. Bulifant, who has been described as "naturally funny", was the original choice for the role of Carol Brady on ABC's The Brady Bunch, but the part ultimately went to Florence Henderson. She accepted the role of Marsha Patterson in The Bill Cosby Show (1969-71). From 1971 to 1977, she played the wife of Murray Slaughter (Gavin MacLeod) on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, making 11 appearances over seven seasons.

She later had a role as Miriam Willoughby on Flo, appeared in the movie Airplane!, and as the mother of David Spade's character on Just Shoot Me!, as well as guest roles and as a guest panelist on game shows.

Personal life

Bulifant has been married five times. She married James MacArthur (November 2, 1958 - 1967; divorced) and had 2 children together, Mary MacArthur and Charles MacArthur. Bulifant next married Edward Mallory (September 19, 1969 - 1974; divorced) and had 1 child together, John Mallory Asher. She then married William Asher (August 28, 1976 - 1993; divorced) and had 1 child together. John was adopted by producer/director Asher. Bulifant next married Glade Bruce Hansen (2000-01; divorced). She then married Roger Perry (2002-present). Bulifant has for many years been actively involved with the child abuse prevention non-profit Childhelp, including serving as a Celebrity Ambassador and as a Vice-President on the National Board of Directors. She has 1 grandchild named Evan Joseph Asher, his parents being John and Jenny McCarthy.

Filmography

Theatre

Film

Television

[ Source: Wikipedia ]