Jan Shepard dies at 96 after pneumonia battle, remembered for roles with Elvis Presley
Hollywood actress Jan Shepard, celebrated for her roles alongside Elvis Presley, passed away at the age of 96. Shepard died on January 17, 2025, in a California hospital due to pneumonia caused by respiratory failure.
Best known for her work during Hollywood's golden age, Shepard starred in King Creole (1958) and Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966) with Elvis Presley. Reflecting on her first encounter with the rock 'n' roll icon, Shepard once shared a humorous anecdote: their outfits matched, leading Elvis to joke, "Honey, I'm either going to have to give you my jacket or you're going to have to give me your pants." Shepard described her role in King Creole as "the break of her life," where she played Mimi Fisher, Elvis' on-screen sister. Her other notable film credits include Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959).
Outside of her film career, Shepard was a prominent presence on television, appearing in westerns like Rawhide, The Virginian, and Gunsmoke. Her small-screen career began in 1952 with Fireside Theatre, one of the earliest successful TV series.
Away from the spotlight, Shepard was born in Pennsylvania in 1928 and married actor Dirk London (Ray Boyle) in 1954. Together, they had a son, Brandon Boyle. London passed away in 2022 at the age of 98. Brandon paid tribute to his mother, saying, "She was a good one and will be dearly missed."
Shepard remained connected to her Hollywood legacy, attending events such as the 2012 "Elvis at the Movies" program at the Grammy Museum. Her remarkable contributions to film and television, especially her iconic collaborations with Elvis Presley, cement her status as a cherished figure in Hollywood's golden age.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
05-04-2025
- Express Tribune
'Paradise' starring Iqra Aziz and Shuja Asad premieres on April 14
Listen to article The highly anticipated romantic drama serial Paradise is set to make its debut on Express Entertainment starting 14th April. The series will air every Monday and Tuesday at 8:00 PM, captivating audiences with the love story of Fia and Taimoor, portrayed by Iqra Aziz and Shuja Asad. This marks the first time that Iqra Aziz and Shuja Asad will be seen together on screen, and their chemistry is expected to be a highlight of the show. The plot promises to explore the journey of love that begins with a twist – when love knocks on your door, but you don't know it yet. Directed by Yasir Hussain, Paradise is written by Nasir Hussain and Yasir Taj, bringing a fresh romantic narrative to viewers. As the story unfolds, viewers will be taken through a beautiful exploration of love, emotions, and relationships. Don't miss the premiere of Paradise on April 14, only on Express Entertainment.
Express Tribune
01-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Get ready to groove: "Paradise" OST by Yasir Hussain out now!
Listen to article The much-awaited Original Soundtrack (OST) for the highly anticipated Pakistani drama Paradise is here, and it's already making waves. Released today, the OST promises to add another layer of excitement to this gripping drama, which is set to premiere on Express TV on May 23, 2025. Directed by Yasir Hussain and starring Iqra Aziz and Shuja Asad, Paradise is a blend of love, deception, and emotional conflict, and the OST perfectly encapsulates this with its captivating rhythm and enchanting melodies. The track, composed by Yasir Hussain himself, features a collaboration between talented singers Ahmad Gul and Samya Gohar. With lyrics also penned by Ahmad Gul, the track sets the tone for the drama, promising moments of both intensity and joy. The catchy beats and soulful vocals are sure to leave a lasting impact on listeners, while the production by Muhammad Irfan Ali, and the striking visuals from Director of Photography (DOP) Asim Raza, bring this track to life in a way that matches the drama's high-energy, emotional narrative. The song is an absolute treat for fans of both Paradise and music lovers in general, with its upbeat tempo and infectious energy.
Express Tribune
28-01-2025
- Express Tribune
Jan Shepard dies at 96 after pneumonia battle, remembered for roles with Elvis Presley
Hollywood actress Jan Shepard, celebrated for her roles alongside Elvis Presley, passed away at the age of 96. Shepard died on January 17, 2025, in a California hospital due to pneumonia caused by respiratory failure. Best known for her work during Hollywood's golden age, Shepard starred in King Creole (1958) and Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966) with Elvis Presley. Reflecting on her first encounter with the rock 'n' roll icon, Shepard once shared a humorous anecdote: their outfits matched, leading Elvis to joke, "Honey, I'm either going to have to give you my jacket or you're going to have to give me your pants." Shepard described her role in King Creole as "the break of her life," where she played Mimi Fisher, Elvis' on-screen sister. Her other notable film credits include Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959). Outside of her film career, Shepard was a prominent presence on television, appearing in westerns like Rawhide, The Virginian, and Gunsmoke. Her small-screen career began in 1952 with Fireside Theatre, one of the earliest successful TV series. Away from the spotlight, Shepard was born in Pennsylvania in 1928 and married actor Dirk London (Ray Boyle) in 1954. Together, they had a son, Brandon Boyle. London passed away in 2022 at the age of 98. Brandon paid tribute to his mother, saying, "She was a good one and will be dearly missed." Shepard remained connected to her Hollywood legacy, attending events such as the 2012 "Elvis at the Movies" program at the Grammy Museum. Her remarkable contributions to film and television, especially her iconic collaborations with Elvis Presley, cement her status as a cherished figure in Hollywood's golden age.
