Nina Shipman obit

Nina Shipman Has Died 

She was not on the list.

Nina Shipman, 88 years old, an American actress known for her performances in film and television during the late 1950s and 1960s, has passed away.

Shipman gained early recognition on the big screen with notable roles in feature films, including the 1959 musical comedy "Say One for Me" starring Bing Crosby, and the 1959 drama "Blue Denim." She also appeared alongside Crosby and Fabian in the 1960 comedy "High Time." Transitioning seamlessly to television, she became a familiar guest star on numerous classic series of the era. She later appeared in the 1970s western series "The Oregon Trail," and her extensive television credits included roles in popular shows such as "The Andy Griffith Show," "Perry Mason," "Rawhide," and "77 Sunset Strip."

Born into a prominent show business family—the daughter of screenwriter Barry Shipman and the granddaughter of silent film pioneer Nell Shipman—she carried on a deep-rooted Hollywood legacy. After retiring from acting, she eventually relocated to Hawaii, where she focused on writing, teaching, and enjoying a quieter life away from the public eye.

A capable and charming performer who made a distinct mark on mid-century American entertainment, her contributions to classic film and television remain appreciated by fans of the era. Godspeed...

Shipman was the daughter of screenwriter Barry Shipman and dancer and film actress Gwynne Shipman. Her grandfather Ernest Shipman was a member of one of the first Shakespearean touring companies in the United States, and her grandmother, Nell Shipman, was a silent film actress.

She attended Maddox Academy in Mexico City and Eagle Rock High School in Los Angeles, California. Shipman graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, with a degree in music. She enhanced her acting skills at the Pasadena Playhouse, in film industry workshops, and by studying under acting coach Sanford Meisner.

 

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