Wyler: Broadway actress dies

After devoting decades to animal advocacy and a theatrical career, Camarillo resident Gretchen Wyler died last Sunday after a long battle with cancer.

Wyler, 75, a pioneer in protecting animals for several decades, recently retired as vice president of the Hollywood office of the Human Society of the United States.

"The humane movement has lost one of its brightest stars," said Wayne Pacelle, the society's chief executive officer and president.

"Gretchen Wyler devoted 40 intense years to protecting animals, and the cause gained so much ground during that time because of her extraordinary achievements and advocacy- in the media, in lawmaking, and in raising public consciousness," said Pacelle.

Wyler, who began her crusade in 1966 after visiting a New York animal shelter in deplorable condition, opened a new one two years later and became the first woman member of the ASPCA's board of directors in the 1970s.

During her theatrical career of 50 years, Wyler played in eight Broadway shows including "Guys and Dolls," "Silk Stockings," "Damn Yankees," "Bye Bye Birdie" and "Sly Fox" with George C. Scott. She also became a regular on television series such as "On Our Own," spent a season on "Dallas" and guest-starred on programs including "Friends," "Judging Amy," "Providence" and "Stark Raving Mad."

By 1986, Wyler decided to honor the media and entertainment industry for shining a spotlight on animal cruelty by creating the Genesis Awards. The award quickly became known as the nation's premier consciousnessraiser for animal protection issues. This year, the gala added an award in her name: the Gretchen Wyler Award.

"This was a woman with a giant and irrepressible spirit," said Dr. David Wiebers, the society's chairman of the board. "She was a pioneer in the field of animal protection, and she touched countless people with her passion and enthusiasm. The Genesis Awards is just one of the many legacies she leaves."

The actress, an Oklahoma City native, is survived by two siblings, Peggy Hanson of Pacific Palisades, Calif. and Lou Wienecke of Granbary, Texas.

Wyler had asked that donations be sent to the Hollywood office of the Humane Society of the United States, located at 5551 Balboa Blvd., Encino, CA 91316.