Remembering NBC Soap Opera 'The Greatest Gift', Whose Cast Included Anne Meara

Anne Burr starred as Dr. Eve Hunter opposite Phil Foster, who played
Dr. Philip Stone.

NBC daytime soap opera The Greatest Gift premiered August 30, 1954, and told the dramatic story of Eve Allen, a young doctor who returns from the Korean War to assume control of her late uncle's practice in the small American town of Ridgton. The short-lived series has been mentioned this week in numerous stories about the passing of Anne Meara, credited as her TV debut.

When she moved to Ridgton, Eve took the biggest and most decisive step toward her life-long dream of becoming a general practitioner. Prior to this, her medical activities had been centered about laboratory work and, although she was acclaimed for having discovered the antidote to a virus which had killed her fiance, the glory of her accomplishment was dimmed in the light of her unrealized dream. Eve's settling in Ridgton, however, rekindled her fondest hopes, for at last she saw herself becoming the kind of doctor she had always wanted to be. But even the happiest occasions can be tinged with trouble, and Eve found her situation was no exception. From the beginning she had to fight the inherent prejudice against "women doctors." After finally winning an appointment on the hospital's staff — though not without an intense and bitter struggle — her capabilities as a doctor, and as a woman, were tested constantly. Obstacles, however, were nothing new to Eve; she met and overcame many along her life's path. Although each one left her with an invisible scar, they also continued to make her life — and the lives of those she dealt with — more meaningful and rewarding.

Anne Meara Dead at 85; Recurred on 'All My Children' in the 1990s, Starred in 'The Greatest Gift'

Anne Meara

Anne Meara died at 85 on Saturday, her family said. Meara and her husband, Jerry Stiller, were married for 61 years and worked together almost as long, the family said in a statement. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, comic actor Ben Stiller, daughter Amy Stiller and grandchildren.

"Anne's memory lives on in the hearts of daughter Amy, son Ben, her grandchildren, her extended family and friends, and the millions she entertained as an actress, writer and comedienne," the family statement said.

Meara was born in 1929 in Brooklyn, New York, to parents of Irish-Catholic descent. She studied under acting teacher Uta Hagen and aspired to become a "serious" actor in the tradition of Maureen Stapleton and Kim Stanley. Then she met Stiller, a Jewish boy from Brooklyn, and turned to comedy even though she "disdained" comedians, she said in a 2005 interview.

Anne Meara To Guest Star In 'Law & Order: SVU'

Anne Meara (ex-Peggy, All My Children) will guest star on NBC's Law & Order: SVU on Wednesday, December 5. The episode, titled "Dreams Deferred," also features Patricia Arquette.

An armed and dangerous man goes on a killing spree across New York City, and the last person he calls is Jeannie (Arquette), a prostitute with whom he has a long-standing weekly appointment. When Jeannie goes missing, the SVU has to convince their NYPD brothers that hers is a life worth saving. Meara plays Jeannie’s mother Irene, who constantly worries for her daughter’s health and safety.