At just five years old, she was so shy that she would hide behind her mother’s skirt whenever relatives came to visit.

But a few years later, that same timid little girl would shine on the silver screen, acting alongside legends like Elvis Presley.

But now, actress Yvonne Lime Fedderson is gone forever.

Road to success

Hollywood and the world are mourning the passing of Yvonne Lime Fedderson, the beloved actress who played Michael Landon’s girlfriend in I Was a Teenage Werewolf. She died peacefully of natural causes at her home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the age of 90.

Yvonne’s career in the 1950s was brief but memorable.

Born and raised in Glendale, California, Yvonne was enrolled in drama school despite being an extremely shy little girl. The lessons were meant to help her overcome her shyness, and by the age of 10, she was already working professionally on stage and in motion pictures.

Yvonne Lime made her film debut in The Rainmaker (1956) as Snookie Maguire, and she immediately impressed. Her little red hat was the one vital comedy prop of the movie.

The director had struggled to find someone for the role, which required acting opposite stars like Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn. After auditioning 51 girls, Yvonne walked in and wowed them instantly. Paramount was so confident they signed her on the spot, without even requiring a screen test.

The shapely blonde then starred in I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957), and had an uncredited role as Sally in Elvis Presley’s Loving You that same year.

But it was I Was a Teenage Werewolf that truly put Yvonne Lime on the map. Made for just $150,000, the film went on to earn over $2 million at the box office.

In 1958, Yvonne took top billing in Dragstrip Riot, solidifying her place in Hollywood history. Beyond her acting, Yvonne was a passionate philanthropist.

In 1959, she co-founded the nonprofit Childhelp with fellow actress Sara O’Meara, dedicating herself to helping abused, neglected, and at-risk children. Her tireless humanitarian work earned her five consecutive Nobel Peace Prize nominations between 2000 and 2005.

Childhelp shared the news of her passing on social media, writing:
“This morning, Childhelp co-founder Yvonne Fedderson passed away peacefully. We honor Yvonne’s life by leaning on the light she shared unceasingly and the hope she nurtured for children and families through the life-saving mission she began 67 years ago. We are blessed to share her legacy, and we’re grateful to have been part of her life. As our hands and hearts find strength in our memories of Yvonne and her generous spirit, may all our hearts find comfort in the faith she treasured and the brilliant legacy of love she leaves behind. Thank you, Yvonne.”

Yvonne married TV producer Don Fedderson in 1969, and together they had a daughter, Dionne Fedderson.

She appeared in a variety of television roles throughout the late 1950s and 1960s. Yvonne co-starred on the NBC sitcom Happy as Sally Day and made multiple appearances on The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.

She guest-starred in series such as The Adventures of Jim Bowie, The Hardy Boys, Crossroads, and The People’s Choice. Lime also appeared on CBS sitcoms like Dobie Gillis and Bringing Up Buddy, as well as shows including Wichita Town, Bat Masterson, and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.. Her final acting role was on her husband Don Fedderson’s sitcom My Three Sons in 1968.

In later years, Yvonne and Dionne lived together in Paradise Valley, enjoying a life far from the Hollywood spotlight but full of love, family, and the impact of her charitable work.