Rose Marie, Beloved Star Of ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show,’ Dead at 94

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December 28, 2017

The entertainment world has lost another shining star. Rose Marie, best known as the wise-cracking, quick-witted Sally Rogers on the 1960s comedy program, “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” passed away on December 28, 2017, at her home in Van Nuys, California. She was 94.

Although most of us know her from her memorable role on the “The Dick Van Dyke Show”, did you know she started her career at the age of three as “Baby” Rose Marie? She appeared in several films as a child star and continued to work in the entertainment business in one form or another for decades to come.

During her proliferous career, she sang for presidents, performed for mobsters, and appeared on television and in films. In addition, she showed her musical chops when she starred in the Broadway hit, “Top Banana.”

She moved to California when she wed her husband, Bobby Guy, who was part of the orchestra on the NBC program, “The Tonight Show.” They remained married until his death in 1964.

Rose Marie’s stint on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” started in 1961 and lasted five years; in that time she received three Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Sally Rogers. Once the popular show was over, Rose Marie did not remain idle. In fact, without missing a beat she moved on to co-star in the “Doris Day Show” and eventually found a home square on the long-running “Hollywood Squares.” Rose Marie was the only guest star to have worked on the game show through all of its many hosts and comebacks.

Rose Marie received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001 and penned her memoirs, “Hold The Roses,” in 2006. She was often asked about retiring from show biz and her famous retort was, “I've been in show business my whole life. Why start something new now?"

And remember the ubiquitous hair bow that she always wore? Well, it is now at the Smithsonian as an iconic piece of entertainment history!

Carl Reiner, creator and co-star of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” summed it up best with his tweet, "I was so sad to learn of the passing of Rosemarie.There's never been a more engaging & multi-talented performer. In a span of 90 years, since she was four, dear Rosie performed on radio, in vaudeville, nightclubs, films, TV, & Vegas & always had audiences clamoring for "more!!

This talented star definitely made her mark in the entertainment world; her influence is sure to be felt for generations to come. Rose Marie is survived by her daughter Georgiana Marie “Noopy” and her son-in-law Steven Rodrigues.

Be sure to watch the video tribute, below. Rest in peace, dear lady.