Where To Watch
Diane Brewster loved her infrequent appearances as Mrs. Kimble in The Fugitive because they gave her more time to focus on family
Brewster initially refused the role because she assumed it was a regularly appearing character.
While the siren song of Hollywood can seem a bit loud at times, there are some who long to perform but have no interest in being famous.
Diane Brewster was one such actor. Brewster was known for her infrequent guest appearances in programs like Leave It to Beaver, where she had a brief but memorable appearance as one of Beaver's teachers.
But one of Brewster's most memorable roles was that of the deceased wife of Richard Kimble in The Fugitive.
Seeing as the character's death is baked into the show's premise, Brewster mainly appeared during flashback sequences throughout the series. However, during an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Brewster revealed that she refused the role when it was initially offered to her because she assumed it was a regular role.
"When I was told I was wanted to play the Fugitive's wife in a new series, I declined with 'Thanks,'" said Brewster. "I have two healthy young sons at home, and I didn't feel like I could take on a weekly series."
With Brewster being a talented actor, she wanted to prioritize her family and felt that a regular role on a television series would interfere with her family life.
Luckily, when the show's producers explained that they were only looking to cast her in a guest capacity, Brewster readily agreed.
"Now, I have the most talked-about, seldom seen role in Hollywood," said the actor.
During another interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Brewster seemed quite pleased with her character. "This is a good part," said Brewster. "As far as the idea of not being in the show every week is concerned, it hadn't occurred to me that I wouldn't be able to. But I haven't worked very much since 1961, and I don't want to...My husband and I have two children. If I work every two or three months, that's adequate."
Related
