Jan Shepard, a cherished television and film actress, passed away on January 17, 2025, in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California. Shepard, known for her roles with Elvis Presley and her contribution to over 30 Western television series, was 96 years old. Her son, Brandon Boyle, a prop master in Hollywood, stated that her death was due to pneumonia, which was further complicated by respiratory failure.

Shepard, whose birth name was Josephine Angela Sorbello, was born on March 19, 1928, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. In 1949, she relocated to Los Angeles, California, to chase her dream of acting. Despite her initial doubts about Elvis Presley’s potential in show business, she eventually became one of his close friends in Hollywood. Shepard’s early acting career started at the Pasadena Playhouse, and in 1952, she began her television journey with a role in “Fireside Theatre.”

In 1958, she achieved a significant milestone in her career when she portrayed Mimi Fisher, Elvis Presley’s sister, in “King Creole.” Shepard referred to this role as the big break of her life. The film was equally significant for Presley, who considered it his favorite. Shepard later starred alongside Presley in “Paradise, Hawaiian Style” in 1966, playing the character of Betty Kohana. “Once I met him, I just adored him,” Shepard said of Presley. They developed a close friendship, with Presley viewing Shepard as a sister figure.

Shepard’s television career spanned over twenty years and included memorable roles in a variety of shows, including “I Married Joan,” “The Loretta Young Show,” “The Lone Ranger,” “Gunsmoke,” “Rawhide,” “The Virginian,” “Perry Mason,” “Bat Masterson,” “Dr. Christian,” “Waterfront,” and “Tales of the Texas Rangers.” Amidst her collaborations with Presley, Shepard also played Betty Howard in the daytime drama “The Clear Horizon” for two seasons.

Shepard also featured in the 1959 cult classic “Attack of the Giant Leeches,” contributing to her diverse list of 89 acting credits. Her last appearance on screen was in 1973 on the ABC police series “The Rookies,” drawing a close to her career in the Golden Age of Hollywood, which lasted for more than two decades.

Shepard met actor Ray Boyle, known for his role as Wyatt Earp, in 1951 at the start of her career. They were married in 1954 and spent 67 years together in the entertainment industry until Boyle’s death in 2022 at the age of 98. Despite their busy careers, both remained active in Hollywood, with Shepard splitting her time between film and television.

Although of Sicilian descent, Shepard brought a unique authenticity to her roles, even in the numerous Western series that became a significant part of her television career. Her son, Brandon Boyle, also a part of the entertainment industry, paid tribute to his mother, describing her as “a good one” who will be “dearly missed.”

Shepard is survived by her son Brandon, daughter-in-law Jenn, and grandchildren Riley and Hayley.