Meredith MacRae was an American actress, singer, and talk show host born on May 30, 1944, in Houston, Texas. Her parents, Gordon MacRae and Sheila MacRae, were both actors, and she grew up in a household filled with creativity and performance.

She began her acting career at a young age, appearing in her father's film "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" when she was just eight years old. She later attended UCLA, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

Her breakthrough came when she was cast as Sally Anne Morrison Douglas on the popular sitcom "My Three Sons" from 1963 to 1965. She played the love interest of Mike Douglas for three seasons before deciding to leave the show to explore other opportunities.

In 1966, she signed a contract with CBS to play Billie Jo Bradley on the sitcom "Petticoat Junction," where she remained until the show's cancellation in 1970. Her character, Billie Jo, was a strong, independent woman focused on a singing career, which mirrored Meredith's own aspirations.

Meredith MacRae also appeared in several films, including "Bikini Beach" (1964) and "Ski Party" (1965). She had a brief singing career and even hosted talk shows later in her career.

She was married three times, first to Richard Berger, then to actor Greg Mullavey, with whom she had one daughter, Allison. Her final marriage was to Philip M. Neal, Chairman and CEO of Avery-Dennison.

She was known for her soft-spoken voice and mezzo-soprano vocal range. She was also civic-minded, giving lectures on alcoholism and making television specials on the topic, possibly influenced by her father's struggle with alcoholism.

In 1999, she was diagnosed with brain cancer, and she passed away on July 14, 2000, due to complications from multiple surgeries and allergic reactions to medications.

Throughout her career, she received numerous awards and honors, including a Vesta Award for Excellence in Journalism, a Bronze Halo Award from the Motion Picture Broadcast Council, and a U.S. Senate Certificate of Commendation.

She was also recognized by organizations such as Women in Film, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society.