The Heartbreaking Death Of Andy Griffith Show Actress Maggie Peterson

2022 has been a heartbreaking year for fans of the Golden Age of cinema and television. Some of the greatest screen stars, like Sidney Poitier and Dwayne Hickman, have tragically died within the year's opening five months. Unfortunately, another great TV sitcom star of the 1960s has recently passed away.

Maggie Peterson, best known for her role as Charlene Darling in the beloved family sitcom, "The Andy Griffith Show," has died at the age of 81. The news has been confirmed by her niece, Amy Royer, who shared the details of her aunt's passing on Facebook.

Royer wrote, "It is with great sorrow that we report that our dear Aunt Maggie died yesterday afternoon (Sunday, May 15). She passed peacefully in her sleep with her family present." She continued by adding that the actress has been in failing health since her husband of 40 years, jazz musician Gus Mancuso, died in December (per the New York Post).

The actress was a staple in 1960s TV

Actress Maggie Peterson was best known for her performance on "The Andy Griffith Show" and remained a staple in the community for fans of the popular show. Peterson would often attend the annual festival for fans called Mayberry Days Festival, which takes place in Griffith's North Carolina hometown (per Surry Arts).

The Mayberry Days Festival is put on by the Andy Griffith Museum, which sent out a heartfelt message of condolences for one of the show's staple characters on Instagram. "It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Maggie Peterson Mancuso. Maggie will forever be remembered by Mayberry Fans as Charlene Darling on 'The Andy Griffith Show.' She brought so much joy to her fans, and to our Mayberry Days Festival. We will miss you Maggie."

Peterson's breakout role was on "The Andy Griffith Show," but she also played parts on TV series like "Green Acres," "The Odd Couple," and "American Style" (via Deadline). She will be deeply missed by fans of classic television shows.