Judy Nugent Cause of Death

Judy Nugent, the former child actor from the 1950s, known for her roles alongside notable stars such as Jane Wyman and Annette Funicello, passed away from cancer on October 26 at her Montana ranch, surrounded by her family. She was 83 years old.

Her family shared the news of her passing through a statement issued by her daughter-in-law, Anne Lockhart, an actor known for her role in “Chicago Fire” and the daughter of the renowned “Lost in Space” star, June Lockhart.

A native of Los Angeles, Judy Nugent, daughter of MGM prop man Carl Nugent, began her career with several uncredited roles, including a part in the 1951 film “Angels in the Outfield.” Her breakthrough came when she was cast as Donna Ruggles in the TV series “The Ruggles” (1949-1952), an early family sitcom starring comic actor Charles Ruggles, where she played the twin sister of child actor Jimmy Hawkins.

Following the cancellation of “The Ruggles,” Judy Nugent made guest appearances in “The Lone Ranger,” appeared in the film “Ma and Pa Kettle At Home,” and portrayed Ann Carson, a blind girl, in a memorable 1954 episode of “Adventures of Superman.” This role, in particular, remains cherished by the Baby Boomer generation. Her character’s eyesight is restored thanks to Clark Kent/Superman’s super vision.

In the same year, she also featured in “Magnificent Obsession” and the TV series “The Life of Riley.” Subsequent years brought additional screen credits, including appearances in “Lassie,” “There’s Always Tomorrow,” and “The Girl Most Likely.” In 1958, she played Jet Maypen, the best friend of Annette Funicello’s character in “The Mickey Mouse Club’s” Annette serial.

Judy Nugent continued to take on small roles through the early 1960s, making appearances in series like “77 Sunset Strip,” “Sugarfoot,” “Rawhide,” and “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis,” among others. However, she largely retired from acting after her marriage to Gunsmoke actor Buck Tayler, the son of character actor Dub Taylor, in 1961. The couple, who had four children together, eventually divorced in 1981.