June Harding Soap Opera Actress and ‘the Trouble With Angels’ Star Dies

June Harding, whose debut in the comedy movie “The Trouble With Angels” opposite Hayley Mills and Rosalind Russell died on March 22, 2019, in a Deer Isle, Maine. She was 81-years-old.

Harding’s brother John confirmed her death and told the Richmond Times-Dispatch the actress’s health had been declining.

The actress’ first role in show business was on the soap opera “As The World Turns.”

In December 1961, she debuted on Broadway playing Art Carney’s youngest daughter in “Take Her, She’s Mine.” Elizabeth Ashley won the Tony Award for portraying the sister of Harding.

From 1963-1964, she played multiple characters on NBC’s “The Richard Boone Show.” In the 1960s she appeared on the television shows “The Fugitive,” “Dr. Kildare,” and “The Defenders.”

“The Trouble With Angels” became her signature role. Directed by Ida Lupino, which would be her last film, Harding played opposite Hayley Mills as Catholic boarding school teenagers who got into trouble. The teen audience made the movie a smash hit and Harding a star. Both girls declined to appear in the follow up “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows.”

Shortly after the movie premiered, Emporia, Virginia, honored her with a key to the city and declared it was “June Harding Day.”

A memorial service for Harding will be held at Monumental United Methodist Church in Emporia at 11:00 a.m ET on April 13.

Written by Barbara Sobel

Sources:

The Hollywood Reporter: June Harding, Actress in ‘The Trouble With Angels,’ Dies at 81
Richmond Times: June Harding, a stage, film and TV actress from Emporia, dies at 81
Deadline Hollywood: June Harding Dies: ‘The Trouble With Angels’ Actress Was 81

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