Biography
She began her career as Los Angeles' first female disc jockey at radio station KMPC. The actress became a series regular on Peyton Place (1964), based on Grace Metalious's novel and the 1957 film of the same name. Considered controversial at the time, the show portrayed the extramarital affairs, dark secrets, and intrigues of the residents of the small New England town of Peyton Place. Scott portrayed Ada Jacks on the original TV series from 1965 to 1969, reprised the role in Return to Peyton Place (1972) from 1972 to 1974, and again in the 1985 TV movie Peyton Place: The Next Generation.
Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, the blue-eyed, red-haired Scott moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in show business. She started as a disc jockey, becoming the first woman in that role in the area, hosting KMPC's early morning "Wake-Up" show, and later became a singing DJ on KHJ's similar "Rise and Shine" morning program. Scott began acting with local theater groups, including the Stage Society, West Coast Theater, Civic Playhouse, and Pasadena Playhouse. In the 1950s, she appeared in small roles in several films, including Wicked Woman (1954), The Green-Eyed Blonde (1957), and I Want to Live! (1958), which starred Susan Hayward. She also guest-starred in popular TV series such as Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and Perry Mason.
In her personal life, Scott served for many years as a board member of Portals House Inc., a center supporting individuals with mental health challenges. She was also an active fundraiser and major supporter of OPICA Adult Day Care, which assists senior citizens, and frequently recruited friends to help serve meals to the homeless at Skid Row centers. Previously married to blacklisted writer Gene Stone, Scott wed importer Urban S. Hirsch Jr. in 1961. She is survived by Hirsch and three stepchildren: Urban III, Rita, and Karen.
