Mimi Gibson was one of the most sought-after child actresses of the 1950s and 1960s. Over the course of her career, Mimi modeled in countless product ads, calendars, and magazines. She was a familiar face and voice in commercials.
Perhaps most impressively, Mimi was in 34 movies and about 200 TV shows, including My Three Sons, Leave it to Beaver, The Red Skelton Show, and One Step Beyond. You probably know Mimi best as the voice of Lucky in 101 Dalmatians (1961), and as the impossibly adorable daughter of Cary Grant in Houseboat (1958).
Meeting Mimi Gibson
My husband, daughter, and I met Mimi Gibson at a tour of the Oakridge Estate, the dream home built for Barbara Stanwyck in 1937.
(Can you think of a more perfect place to meet a Classic Hollywood actress? And of course, The Barbara Stanwyck Show is among Mimi’s 200 television credits.)
I still can’t believe our luck in meeting Mimi that day. In our house, 101 Dalmatians and Houseboat are on the weekly play rotation. To meet Mimi in person after nearly a lifetime of enjoying her work on screen was, quite literally, a dream come true. I can confirm that in person, Mimi Gibson is as kind, generous, and friendly as you could hope.
And yes, she’s still gorgeous.
Mimi generously agreed to an interview, and shared with me some of the amazing experiences of her film career. But if you ask Mimi Gibson what she’s most proud of from her years in Hollywood, her answer would not be her impressive film and television credits. Mimi would say she’s most proud of her post-acting work, when she returned to tinsel town decades after her last film credit not to act, but to better the lives and conditions of today’s working kids in Hollywood.
The fact that this is Mimi’s proudest Hollywood achievement is indicative of the person she is.
Listen to Mimi’s Interview and Read Her Book!
Listen to episode 74 of Vanguard of Hollywood to hear all about Mimi’s inspiring work and incredible career. And be sure to read her page-turning book, Working Kid: A Memoir of a Child Actor of the 1950s and 1960s [aff. link].
You’ll come away feeling like a Classic Hollywood insider, and loving the remarkable Mimi Gibson even more.
15 Responses
I always loved her in Houseboat! Didn’t know that Mimi also does the voice of Lucky! Can’t wait to listen, I bet Mimi has some amazing stories to tell.
Thanks for commenting Cathy! Mimi has so many great stories! Hope you enjoy the episode!
Loved it!! Mimi is amazing!!! What a wonderful woman. Loved hearing her stories about Sophia Loren on Houseboat in particular, and her work to help kids today is so inspiring.
Thanks for reading Julie! Mimi’s stories from Houseboat are so good! Hearing them makes the film even more special. So happy to hear you were inspired by Mimi’s work to help today’s working kids in Hollywood. I feel the same way!
So fun to see you and your daughter enjoying your time with Mimi! Very neat that you got to interview her.
Thanks for commenting Faye! It was so amazing to meet Mimi, we feel so lucky! Interviewing her was such a privilege. I still can’t believe it happened!
Just listened, what a great interview! Mimi is so lovable, a remarkable woman indeed!
Thanks for listening Tess! Mimi is absolutely remarkable. It was such a joy to interview her!
Awwww what a sweet interview! Mimi is so kind-hearted. Thank you!
Thank you for listening Lauren! Kind-hearted is the perfect way to describe Mimi.
Lovely interview! Mimi is such a pleasure to listen to. I wonder, you mention finding Mimi’s commercials and films on YouTube. Could you provide those links? I for one would love to see them! -Marion
Would love links to Mimi’s commercials and tv shows available on youtube. -John
Awww Mimi is the BEST! What a great listen. Watching 101 Dalmatians this weekend with my daughter, and I’ll be especially appreciative of Lucky!
I have seen several of her films: The Ten Commandments, Prince of Players, Drango, A Rebel in Town. God bless her.
Hi Fernando, thanks for commenting! It’s absolutely incredible how many classic films Mimi was a part of. She truly worked with the very best! An amazing career and an amazing woman!