Sadly, it has just been reported that actress Joan Staley passed away on Sunday November 24th. According to Movie Web, the actress died of heart failure while in Valencia California’s Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Statley was 79 years old at the time of her death.

Born in 1940, Staley was known throughout Hollywood for being a talented actress, an incredible violinist, and a breathtaking beauty. She led a rather interesting life and had a very impressive acting career. According to her Imdb biography, Staley started playing violin at the age of three and was such an amazing violinist that, as a child, she appeared in an uncredited role as a violin player in the movie The Emperor Waltz, starring Bing Crosby. This makes  The Emperor Waltz her unofficial film debut.

In her adult life Staley went on the have a very successful acting career. She appeared on TV shows like Dallas, Mission Impossible, Adam West’s Batman, Bonanza, and many more. In November 1958 she was the Playboy Playmate of the month. Statley’s film resume also includes an uncredited appearance in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a waitress in 1962’s Cape Fear, and the Elvis Presley movie Roustabout. But her most famous movie is probably The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, in which she starred alongside the iconic Don Knotts.

It’s sad to say good bye to Joan Staley, but at least we can appreciate the amazing work she left behind.