Honestly, if you grew up watching television between the 1950s and the late 1990s, you’ve seen Peggy Rea. You might not have known her name immediately—though you should—but her face was a permanent fixture of the American living room. She was the quintessential "matron." Sometimes she was the sweet aunt who always had a pie in the oven; other times, she was the sharp-tongued mother-in-law who could wither a man with a single look.
Peggy Rea wasn't just a background player. She was the glue in some of the most iconic sitcoms and dramas in history. From the frantic black-and-white sets of I Love Lucy to the muddy backroads of The Dukes of Hazzard, her career was basically a roadmap of 20th-century entertainment.
The Unforgettable Face of Small-Town TV
A lot of people remember Peggy best from two specific roles that couldn't be more different. First, there was Rose Burton on The Waltons. She joined the cast in 1979, stepping into a massive void left by departing lead actors. It’s hard to just "show up" in the eighth season of a beloved show and make people like you, but she did it. She played Olivia Walton’s cousin, bringing a fresh but familiar maternal energy to the mountain.
Then you have Lulu Coltrane Hogg.
If you spent your Friday nights watching the General Lee jump over ravines, you know Lulu. She was the wife of the legendary Boss Hogg in The Dukes of Hazzard. While Boss was busy being greedy and corrupt, Lulu was often the one keeping him in check—or at least trying to between bites of whatever southern feast was on the table. She appeared in nearly 20 episodes, making Lulu a fan favorite because she was one of the few people who could actually stand up to Jefferson Davis Hogg.
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Peggy Rea Movies and TV Shows: A Career of "Hidden" Gems
It’s kinda wild to look at her full filmography. Before she was a household face, she was actually working behind the scenes. In the 40s, she was a production secretary at MGM. Imagine being there during the Golden Age of Hollywood, typing up notes for legends, only to eventually step in front of the camera yourself.
Her debut was actually on I Love Lucy in 1953. She played a nurse. It was a small start, but it kicked off a decades-long run of guest spots. You’ve probably spotted her in:
- Gunsmoke (where she played several different characters, including the dressmaker Miss Roniger)
- Bonanza * The Golden Girls (she played Mrs. Contini, a dating service agent—classic)
- All in the Family (as the hilarious Cousin Bertha)
- MacGyver
She had this incredible ability to blend into any era. Whether it was a Western or a modern-day sitcom, she just fit.
The 90s Sitcom Era
Even as she got older, she didn't slow down. In fact, the 90s gave her some of her most consistent work. She was Ivy Baker in Step by Step, playing Suzanne Somers’ mother. If you remember that show, Ivy was the no-nonsense contrast to the chaotic blended family.
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But her real late-career standout was Grace Under Fire.
She played Jean Kelly, the ex-mother-in-law of Brett Butler's character. She was in over 50 episodes. It was a complicated role—sometimes abrasive, often funny, and very real. It capped off a career that spanned nearly 50 years of active performing.
Why She Was More Than Just a Supporting Actor
Peggy Rea was what we call a "character actress," but that term almost feels like a slight. She was a specialist. She knew how to occupy a space and make it feel lived-in. When she walked onto a set, you believed she had lived in that town for thirty years.
She also did some solid film work that people often overlook.
She was in In Country (1989) with Bruce Willis and Love Field (1992) with Michelle Pfeiffer. She even had a role in the cult favorite 7 Faces of Dr. Lao back in the 60s. She wasn't chasing the spotlight; she was chasing the work. And the work was always there because directors knew she was reliable.
Peggy Rea’s Legacy in Film and TV
Peggy passed away in 2011 at the age of 89, leaving behind a body of work that is staggering in its volume. She never needed to be the "star" because she was the foundation.
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If you want to truly appreciate what a character actor brings to the table, go back and watch her episodes of The Waltons. Look at how she handles the quiet moments. There’s a warmth there that isn't faked. It’s why people still talk about her today.
How to Revisit Her Best Work
If you're looking to dive back into the best of Peggy Rea movies and TV shows, here is the roadmap:
- Watch "The Inspiration" (The Waltons, Season 8): This is where she really starts to feel like family.
- Check out her I Love Lucy cameos: It’s fun to see her right at the beginning of the TV revolution.
- Find the Dukes of Hazzard episode "Bye, Bye, Boss": It shows off her comedic timing with the legendary Sorrell Booke.
- Look for In Country: A more serious side of her talent that shows she had range beyond the laugh track.
She was one of the last of a certain breed of Hollywood professional—someone who could do it all, from the secretarial pool to the Broadway stage to the top of the Nielsens. Next time you see a "jolly neighbor" or a "stern grandma" on a classic rerun, check the credits. There’s a good chance it’s Peggy Rea, still making us smile decades later.
To get the full experience of her transition from 70s drama to 90s comedy, start by streaming the final two seasons of The Waltons followed by the first season of Grace Under Fire to see how she anchored two completely different eras of television.