The Life of Yvonne De Carlo Lily Munster 

I hope everyone likes how I do quick little tangents and histories of these other people that popped up in her life. I find all of this fascinating and these other people intrigue me, so I look them up and Wow, do they have stories too! Seriously, Zazu Pitts is Cool! 🙂 Earl Carroll was not.

Hearing that story about how John Wayne fought for Yvonne and her husband and made sure she had a starring role in one of his movies was touching

Yvonne was so perfect for the Lily character. So elegant and with a classy flair in such a off beat show. And she had the perfect comedic flair with Fred Gwynn and Al Lewis. Such a classic!

I love seeing how Yvonne aged. She aged beautifully and naturally, something you don't see often today.

If it hadn't been for her role in the Munsters, an entire generation would never have heard of her. She basically reinvented herself, and now she's a legend.

She was absolutely stunning, I first was aware of her as Lilly Munster, and while her appearance in that show was unique, I still found myself drawn to her as a kid. Let's not forget about John Wayne, my gosh, going to bat for her and her husband and telling the other studio to go kick rocks. There were truly some good eggs among all the bad in Hollywood.

She was an incredibly beautiful woman, no plastic surgery when she got older, didn't worry about her weight either. Hard working, loyal could act, sing and dance. Loved her movies, loved her as Lilly Munster too.

What a woman. So much pain and suffering in personal life, a child with seizures, a disabled and mean husband (yes I know this happens often to injured people), and still stood strong & remained beautiful. What a role model. What a personality. Rest in peace now, Yvonne!

Thank you for the life story of Yvonne DeCarlo. I thought her a great actress in the 10 Commandments, and also enjoyed her acting in "The Munsters". It is heart warming to know, how she stayed with her husband, under very trialsome conditions, until he fully recovered, as much as he could. It must have been rather miserable for Yvonne. A great Actress. Thank you again, for the life profile.

John Wayne was a standup guy! He really went all out for Ivonne and her family. Great episode.

I didn't know anything about her story, and I certainly didn't know that she could sing. What an incredible voice.

Thanks for spotlighting Yvonne De Carlo in this episode. I never knew that she had a great singing voice until now. She was a stunning and smart woman too. Loved the story about her mom throwing the chair, it's too bad it didn't hit the target as he sure deserved it. Thanks again for another fascinating video.

I used to go clubbing/dancing at Florentine Gardens in the 1980s!! I think it’s still around. Great storytelling👍👍 She’s gorgeous😉

Yvonne did so wonderfully at delivering funny lines in a straight manner. That is difficult to do as a comic actor. I love the way they all always acted like your "average family" on "The Munsters"

John Wayne stepping up as he did for Yvonne's husband/family is another testament to an already great man, Yvonne's loyalty to her husband and career is a further testament to her greatness. RIP and thank you Ms. De Carlo.

In June of 1965, our family visited Universal Studios in CA and took a studio tour. Not only did we get to drive-by 1313 Mockingbird Lane (now Wisteria Lane), but also toured the inside sets for The Munsters. Although I was 9 years old, I remember a lot. At the end of the tour, we got to meet one "star" (Charlie the cook from Wagon Train), and we got to tour inside one star's dressing room. And it was Yvonne De Carlo's. I felt starstruck.

I love this story. I love her drive. She just kept pushing and didn't let anything keep her down. I really loved learning about Yvonne De Carlo

Just loved Miss Yvonne. She was not only a beautiful lady outside, she was a beautiful lady inside. I had read that she always knew the staff and players on the films she worked on and was very friendly. Not many great ladies left from that era. She certainly is missed.

Salute to a beautiful, talented, nurturing, strong-willed, and determined lady. What a woman!

What a precious woman… She accomplished so much in her time and showed such fortitude and devotion to her family throughout. A lovely human being to be sure!

I had only known Yvonne as a movie actress, so it really surprised me when she became Lily Munster. However, she was absolutely perfect for that role. And I have a new respect for John Wayne. Thank you for "filling in the blanks"!

Miss Decarlo babysat my dad he was a tyke. He said she was very kind to him

What a beautiful lady. I never new she had made so many movies.

I grew up watching the Munsters. I had no idea she had such an amazing life and a huge career. What an amazingly beautiful and talented woman. This was great to watch.

Yvonne DeCarlo was one of the most tormented, yet one of the most resilient actresses in the face of adversity. She was also was one of the most natural beauties, in Hollywood history. Her portrayal of Lily Munster as the loving strong Matriarch, impressed me so much as a kid, It really influenced what I looked for in a future life partner!!! Yvonne DeCarlo is really overlooked as a TRUE Hollywood Icon. ( and Yes, my wife was a tall strong brunette with long dark hair and pale skin and NO I don't look like Herman!)

I love her Mom!!! Mom was about that life when it came to her daughter.👏🏽

What a great effort. Hats off to the production of this! Munsters is one of my favorite comedies of all time, and largely because of Yvonne. Her comedic timing was stellar. And she was as funny and witty as she was gorgeous even through all the make up. And what a work ethic. All her life she was neither prima-donna nor a shrinking violet. Learned so much about her here. And I have even more respect for her than I already did.

Thx for this excellent Video. I had no idea what an incredible Actress she was. She was an amazing person. I can't believe she did it so many great Movies. I grew up watching her on The Munsters as a child. I was born in 1961 so I wasn't old enough to have seen her in all those wonderful Movies she did. I loved her as the sweet wife and Mother on the Munsters Show. I still watch The Munsters on my free Antenna TV. Thank God I still get to enjoy watching that show !!!! It's a real Classic n one of my all time favorite shows !!!

What, Lily Munster Played Moses’ Wife In The Ten Commandments? Wow, I Would Of Never Guessed That.

She was very Lovely 🌹😊 I really liked watching her acting. Even the movie with Charleston Heston in the Movie moses

I own only 6 or 7 personally autographed photo's photo's... I am proud that one of them is her' s

Another excellent episode!!! Had no idea Yvonne DeCarlo had such an amazing career.

My dentist was also her dentist and he said, when she didn't wear makeup she still had a green tint to her skin due to the makeup she wore being Lilly. He also said, she was absolutely stunning!!!

I love how well researched your videos are. It is clear that you put a lot of time and effort into making them. You are able to weave these stories together into a very entertaining video. Thank you for sharing them.

Excellent video. I always thought she was beautiful, even as Lily Munster!

What a wild trip to a generation I know nothing about. Thank you

Living in Greece, in the 90s... almost grew up with the Munsters which was a favourite rerun show for children back then..i really loved that sitcom and still love it. Yvonne de Carlo was a wonderful person and actress. Beautiful woman and soul!❤️

Wow.. had no idea she had such a storied career. Such a shame about her husband. Very glad to hear what John Wayne did for her. Great research job.

She was fantastic back in the day. The Munsters were one of my favorite TV shows.

Another fabulous biography! Hollywood is a town populated by the most beautiful people from all over the world, but Yvonne was in a class by herself. She was absolutely stunning. I was not aware of her storied career in old Hollywood. She was so great as Lily and helped make that show into a classic. I also loved her 70s camp classic, "Satan's Cheerleaders." PS - I enjoy your segues, they really add to the story!!

Now, this is an example of what a real woman is. Thank you, Yvonne, and may you rest in peace.

Yvonne DeCarol was an exceptional actress. God bless John Wayne for insisting she star 🌟 in a movie 🎥 with him to help her and her husband out.

This seems like the kind of person that women would hold up as an example to their daughters as someone who was hard working, loyal to her family and a shrewd business woman. I never knew about her career before and after the Munsters. I always thought that the Munsters was the last role she had.

The year 1956, was an important year for Yvonne De Carlo for she was to star in four films two of the four were important to Yvonne and her career. Her first was Magic Fire (1956, Republic Pictures) and her second was Raw Edge (1956, Universal-International) which were a biography of Richard Wagner and a Western. Her last two performances were in Cecil B, DeMille's Ten Commandments (1956, Paramount Pictures) she essayed the role of Sephora, the warm and understanding wife of Moses (Charlton Heston). Critics who previously dismissed Yvonne as merely a gorgeous creature were forced to reevaluate their opinion of the actress because of her sensitive handling of her role. In her last role for 1956 in the film Death Of A Scoundrel (1956, RKO) Yvonne (Bridget Kelly) actually steals the top acting honors from the great George Sanders. Death Of A Scoundrel is a film loosely based on the murder of Serge Rubinstein who was murdered a year before in 1955. Death of a Scoundrel is both ridiculous and remarkably compelling. The film's plot is basically a potboiler we watch a highly unscrupulous man (Sanders) engineer his own rise from poverty to riches, while destroying or dominating everyone around him along the way. This is particularly established early in the film when he informs on his brother (played by the actor’s real-life brother, Tom Conway), indirectly getting the poor guy killed by authorities amid a scheme to get out of post-World War II Czechoslovakia. So, why is Death of a Scoundrel so enjoyable? One reason is writer-director Charles Martin's ability to keep things moving at a good pace. Death Of A Scoundrel was shot on the RKO backlot and unfolds in a flashback structure, starting with Bridget Kelly (Yvonne De Carlo), as personal assistant to self-made tycoon Clementi Sabourni (George Sanders), revealing to the police the circumstances that led to the millionaire's murder. "He was the most hated man on earth," she declares, "But he could have been one of the great men in history. He was a genius. Who can resist a cast of characters like this: Yvonne De Carlo, Coleen Gray, John Hoyt, Victor Jory, Werner Klemperer, Nancy Gates and last but not least, Zsa Zsa Gabor. Sanders and Zsa Zsa were all ready divorced when they made this film they were married from 1949 to 1954 but remained good friends. Yvonne De Carlo does a fine job here. She is particularly good at revealing reaction shots. Each time Sanders announces an outrageous new scheme, we can see De Carlo mentally rolling her eyes. The wry delivery she has mastered will serve her well when she plays Lily Munster in a few years is fully in evidence. She seems to be having fun along the way, despite the angst and one especially silly revelation late in the film. Even Films In Review gave Yvonne a positive review, "Yvonne De Carlo is thoroughly believable as a prostitute." While the New York Times said this of Yvonne,"Yvonne does a solid and professional job as the adoring petty thief who rises to eminence above her station. Even though the film was considered a B-film apparently no expense was spared on score by famed Max Steiner. The composer provides one of his continuous symphonic scores. Every scene is played out on a lush, late-romantic, note. Even De Carlo's character Bridget Kelly has her own 'sexy' theme. It's all wonderfully overdone and a little half baked. The supporting cast is top-notch with Zsa Zsa Gabor giving what I think is one of her all around best performances. She and Sanders appear to have strong chemistry between them (little wonder as they had previously been married/divorced). Nancy Gates does a very credible job as an aspiring actress. John Hoyt is always good and Coleen Gray gives a good turn as well. The way Sanders juggles all the female characters is fascinating to watch as he becomes involved with a wealthy widow (Gabor) while flirting with her aspiring actress secretary (Nancy Gates), and trying to convince the wife (Coleen Gray) of a successful businessman to divorce her husband so that he can get her stock and take over her husband's company. His schemes grow more outrageous until his brother's widow (Lisa Ferraday) - who is also his ex-girlfriend - appears. Sanders is a marvel - always likable no matter how heinous his character, always smooth, and always watchable. If he's a little too old for Clementi, it doesn't matter. He still makes it work. I don't think this would have been as good a movie with George Brent in the lead (Brent was schedule to do the film but got sick and had to turn the film down). A year before his suicide, Sanders appeared in an episode of "Mission: Impossible" and played an elderly con man - magnificently dressed, proud, and elegant. When he is defeated, the character turns into a tired old man in a matter of seconds. That is true acting, and there aren't many that can do it. Sanders could.

A wonderful story about a wonderful woman. Thank you. ❤

This was so interesting. I didn’t know much about her. What a life!

A beautiful and strong woman. A lot of people would have given up, but Yvonne carried on. She handled her ups and downs with true grace. The world needs more women like Yvonne De Carlo, one of the rare people of Hollywood who kept her real name.

Her life is worth making a movie! Amazing woman!

I loved Lilly n Herman. That was my favorite show.

Her dance scene in Criss Cross with Tony Curtis is amazing. It’s on You Tube. Yvonne was a triple threat-could act, sing, and dance.

Wow so thorough! When I watched The Munsters they were already in reruns in the early 70s. Having my own creepy childhood(not in the good Munsters way), I always wished she would be my own mother, lol. Oddly, my Grandmother resembled her a lot. What an interesting actress. American Gothic is one of her scarier roles!

Wow thank u I wasn't aware of her amazing long career. Lily Munster was one of tv's most memorable female characters ❤️

Great 😂 job. Very detailed and good history on Yvonne s childhood and background. Seems like a very dedicated actress talented. Can sing act. Not entitled. Took care of her family. A good person who endured lots of loss and tragedy. A grew up watching the Munsters. Always enjoyed that show. Liked all the cast members very much. Rest in peace Lilly. 😊

I've always loved The Munsters.

What a wonderful lady. I can only dream of being that marvelous. Her determination was fierce. She'll never be forgotten. Cue the applause, as if we needed to.

Her son Bruce and I followed each other on Twitter as I was such a big fan of hers and he loved when people remembered her and liked her, and he told me a few stories that never appear in these documentaries. Yvonne had a Ford Mustang and she taught herself to do oil changes, brake jobs and almost everything mechanical with it. She really loved the car but it kept breaking down as it got older and everyone kept telling her to get rid of it, but she wouldn't, she said she'd fix it herself. Bruce said he'd help by handing her whatever tools she asked for.

How wonderful that she had a mother who protected her like that.

That's the kind of thing I would expect out of John Wayne, good man.

Excellent documentary, As a boy I was fascinated by Lily Munster and your beautiful tribute to her explains why.

Such a beautiful woman and a really talented actress. I enjoy seeing her in any role she played.

The very best and strong lady, and incredibly very beautiful all her life, always loved her in the Munsters such great tv

You know I never knew any of this beautiful amazing young lady. She was not only beautiful. But a beautiful angel. Even when she played Lily she was beautiful as Lily. And what John Wayne did for her family was a wonderful thing as well. He fought for them when she needed him most. Never knew that either. I wonder if she ever got a star in Hollywood. Because she really deserved one in my eyes. RIP YVONNE . You are gone but you sure will never be forgotten. Good night Angel

Another fabulous episode.

I always thought she looked beautiful as Lillian Munster! And her in McClintock, pure genius!!!

They don't make them like her anymore. Beautiful and talented woman. Good work sir! Great video.

Another good video, thank you.

Love stories like this. But I now have a new found respect for her. Such a tragic, inspirational and heartwarming life.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR, SHARING ALL OF YVONNE. DECARLO's LIFE . SHE WAS AN amazing and EXCELLENT ACTRESS. AND KNEW WHAT SHE WANTED IN LIFE. SHE'S WHAT WE CALL A SURVIVOR IN TODAY'S WORLD R.I.P.

She was a very resilient woman. God bless her.

Death Of Some Salesman was always awesome. Yvonne De Carlo, Ed Begley, Jr., and Tim Curry. Can’t get much better than that.

Awesome story 👍

Thanks for this great, informative video.Very beautiful & I Loved her voice. WOW, was she ever rights about Earl Carroll , creepy! Glad she held out for the roles & breaks she needed. John Wayne was great when he helped out Yvonne & her family after her husband's injuries.

I always thought my mother resembled Lily Munster back in the day. She was beautiful too. She had two streaks in her dark hair for a while and wore it brushed back the same way. Early 1960's ✌️😊

I really enjoyed this ,im always surprised when people dont know lily munster was Yvonne De Carlo .

What an interesting life! I always only saw her as Lily but she was so much more. Thank you for this interesting biography.

Yes! Thanks CC, for another amazing video! She was so beautiful!

Wow what an amazing story. She is incredibly strong. She always stood out to me as a child and I adored her. Now that I hear her story I love her even more. ❤

I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HER FROM THE TEN COMMANDMENTS THE BEST SHE WAS GREAT

Thank you for this great video! She was definitely an underrated actress but a great caregiver to her husband and children!

Did not know how accomplished she was, but her personal life was even more so. Excellent narration CC.

John Wayne... Bringing a tear to my eye even now. What a bloke.

You really do a great job and your subjects bring back great childhood and family memories, thanks for that.

So much I didn't know! My interest in John Wayne was never that strong, but I didn't realize just how much he did when he saw an injustice. Now I'm inspired to see more of his pictures. As for the heroine of this video, wow! What a strong, stable woman. A wonderful role model. TFS!

I never knew the story of Yvonne. Great story. I loved the Munsters and still watch it on DVD in 2023.❤

That was really really nice of John Wayne standing up for her after what happed with her husband. It’s sad her marriage didn’t work out in the end but she seems not bitter at all. She knew her husband got a raw deal after his accident on the job and she stuck by him paying the bills until he finally won the settlement and got money. She’s had a long no interesting like. I can’t believe she has soooo much patience to do all those movies with no credit only for the her bosses to cut her because they were struggling financially? What that got to do with crediting her previously. A hand full of movies ok but not well over 10 and over a few years! She’s got a lotta patience and a lot of heart!

I always loved the monsters and especially loved Lily, you really do a remarkable job in your research. I had no idea she had such talent and was in so many movies in her past. I thank you for sharing with us all 👍☮️🇺🇲

Always a positive You Tube evening when you post on here !

I totally amazing person, woman and actress! All the blessings rest your soul amen

Stunning women, amazing to watch on scene. Loved her as a child watching reruns!

Your voice is relaxing and soothing. Perfect for this medium.

I played this for My Mother....she is 85 & she absolutely loved your gifts. You are truly gifted. I told her you n I did get to chat n how well I thought of you which made her even more enchanted by your work & sharing it w/us all. Another one well done my friend bless you

A friend of mine and I were watching the Munsters and she and I were like she's soo womanly. Just poised and charming and her hand gestures are so classic......and we were like.....we need to go to charm school......I had no idea how much a star she was and it's always a great question.....who worked harder......the cool classics honoree.....or you. This channel is wonderful.

Thank you for this. I’m looking forward to watching this later today. ❤

She was so talented . What a beautiful woman.

Yes she was amazing. Thanks for telling her story.

Great video. You have a fantastic voice and great control over it. Thank you.

Thank you again Enjoy your episodes

Wow! What a great life & story Yvonne had. I had no idea! Thanks for giving me great enjoyment with another “Cool Classic” 👌👏🙏🥰

Yvonne De Carlo was so Stunning! This is GR8, very interesting! Thank you for doing this story!

Thank you! You have the best biography vids. 👍🙏