Harriet MacGibbon was truly a woman of many talents, carving out not just one but two impressive careers in the entertainment world. Early on, Harriet showed a deep passion for the arts, spending her 20s traveling across the country performing in plays such as You Can’t Take It With You. She even studied harp under the prestigious Boston Symphony Orchestra—a fascinating chapter in Harriet’s artistic journey. But it was her love for acting that ultimately took center stage. In fact, Harriet made the bold decision to set aside her plans to attend Vassar College so she could fully commit to her theatrical dreams.

Over the years, Harriet appeared in regional theater productions throughout Kentucky, Ohio, and California, eventually making her way to Broadway with numerous stage appearances. While she made her television debut back in 1951, it wasn’t until the 1960s that Harriet began focusing more seriously on screen roles, transitioning into a reliable supporting actress in both film and TV. A lot of the time, Harriet was cast as the quintessential uptight socialite or the judgmental neighbor—roles she played with sharp wit and memorable flair.

For instance, in The Majority of One, Harriet portrayed a meddling friend to a skeptical Brooklyn widow, bringing both charm and condescension to the character. She also stepped into the role of a disapproving mother in Son of Flubber, the fun follow-up to Disney’s beloved The Absent-Minded Professor. Throughout the ‘60s and beyond, Harriet remained a familiar face on popular series. She had small but impactful parts on shows like the adventurous Route 66, and brought authority to her portrayal of Miss Finch, the no-nonsense high school teacher in the TV version of the Archie comic strip.

But let’s be honest—when people think of Harriet MacGibbon, one role stands out above the rest: Mrs. Margaret Drysdale on The Beverly Hillbillies. As a proud Boston Brahmin, Harriet’s character was all about class, decorum, and keeping up appearances. Living next door to the delightfully uncultured Clampett family, Harriet’s Mrs. Drysdale often found herself exasperated by their hillbilly ways. And while she tolerated most of them, it was Granny—the feisty, shotgun-wielding Daisy May Moses—who really got under her skin. That dynamic became one of the show’s running jokes, and Harriet delivered every line with perfect comedic timing.

All in all, Harriet MacGibbon left behind a legacy defined by versatility, dedication, and a knack for stealing scenes—even in the smallest roles. Whether onstage or onscreen, Harriet always brought something special to the table.