Perry Sheehan Adair, born Margaret Sheehan, was a talented actress, model, and philanthropist. Born on August 17, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York, she began her professional career as a John Robert Powers model in New York City.
Sheehan moved to Hollywood in 1949 and quickly gained recognition, landing small acting roles at RKO, Columbia, and Paramount Pictures. Her big break came in 1950 when she was signed to a seven-year contract with MGM, featuring in over 50 films as a supporting cast member.
During the Korean War, Sheehan became an official pin-up girl for the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1955, she worked as a model for Max Factor cosmetics. Sheehan's career continued to flourish, with appearances in numerous films and television shows, including "Battle Circus" (1953),"The Long, Long Trailer" (1954),and "The Electric Horseman" (1979).
In addition to her acting career, Sheehan was an active philanthropist, serving as President of the Screen Actors Guild (Nevada Branch) and as a member of the SAG National Board of Directors. She was also involved with various charitable organizations, including Opportunity Village, St. Jude's Women's Auxiliary, and the Assistance League of Las Vegas.
Sheehan's personal life was marked by her marriage to J. Carlton Adair in 1957, with whom she had two daughters, Susan and Valerie. The couple moved to Las Vegas, where Sheehan produced, wrote, and starred in "Noon at the Dunes," a live talk show that aired on Channel 8.
After her husband's passing in 1993, Sheehan continued to live in Las Vegas until her death at the age of 95 on March 6, 2017. She is survived by her two daughters, Susan and Valerie, and two sisters, Emily Arena and Esther Tansey.
