Mae Laborde, a truly extraordinary individual, embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of television and film, shattering conventional expectations by commencing her illustrious career at a staggering 93 years of age, a testament to her unwavering passion and dedication.
Paul Shamlian, Laborde's father, and Fereday Shamlian, her mother, welcomed their daughter into the world in Fresno, California, in the year 1909. However, Laborde's life was destined to take a dramatic turn when she made the journey to Los Angeles during the height of the Great Depression, a period of unprecedented economic turmoil. It was amidst this backdrop of uncertainty and hardship that Laborde met her future husband, Nicholas Laborde, who was employed as the conductor on the iconic Los Angeles' old Red Car trolley line that Laborde would take home from work, a daily routine that would undoubtedly have its own unique charm and character.
Margaret Laborde's life was marked by a strong work ethic, with a diverse professional trajectory that spanned multiple occupations, including a notable stint as a bookkeeper for the renowned Lawrence Welk, a legendary figure in the world of entertainment.
It wasn't until the year 2002, when Laborde had reached the remarkable age of ninety, that she embarked upon a new and unexpected chapter in her life, one that would see her transition into the world of acting and go on to span nearly a decade, a testament to her boundless energy, creativity, and dedication to her craft.
Noted performer Laborde's fascinating narrative was showcased in a prominent Yahoo! article on March 30, 2007, catapulting her to widespread recognition and subsequently establishing her as a recurring presence on the popular television program Talkshow with Spike Feresten.
Beyond her impressive acting endeavors, Laborde also made a notable appearance as a guest speaker in the 1998 KCET production of "More Things That Aren't Here Anymore", a thought-provoking documentary series hosted by the esteemed veteran broadcaster Ralph Story.
Notable individual Laborde, renowned for her unwavering resilience and exceptional comedic flair, received a prestigious honorary DTV converter box award during a special episode of Feresten's show in the year 2009.
At the remarkable age of 99, Laborde's remarkable journey culminated in this esteemed recognition, which was precipitated by the immense popularity of a captivating video clip that showcased her unyielding determination to successfully install the converter box.
This clip, which had garnered widespread attention and acclaim, went on to become the most-watched viral download, securing the top spot on the rankings, a testament to Laborde's remarkable persona and the enduring appeal of her story.
Laborde's life came to a sorrowful close in 2012, at the remarkable age of 102, in the picturesque coastal city of Santa Monica, where she had called home for an astonishing 80 years or more. Despite her passing, Laborde's memory was kept alive by the three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who had the privilege of knowing her, leaving behind a rich legacy that would be deeply cherished by those who loved her and admired her work.
Mae Laborde's extraordinary existence, characterized by an unwavering commitment to living life on her own terms and an unshakeable sense of humor that has the power to disarm even the most skeptical of individuals, stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and serves as a beacon of inspiration to all who have the privilege of being acquainted with her remarkable narrative.
