At just five years old, she was so shy that she would hide behind her mother’s skirt whenever relatives came to visit.

But only a few years later, that same timid little girl would light up the silver screen, sharing scenes with legends like Elvis Presley.

Now, actress Yvonne Lime Fedderson is gone.

Road to success

Hollywood and fans around the world are mourning Yvonne Lime Fedderson, the actress remembered for playing Michael Landon’s girlfriend in I Was a Teenage Werewolf. She died peacefully of natural causes at her home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, on Friday, January 23, 2026. She was 90.

Yvonne’s time in the spotlight during the 1950s was relatively short, but it left a lasting impression.

Born and raised in Glendale, California, Yvonne was placed in drama school even though she was extremely shy as a child. The goal was to help her overcome her nerves, and it worked. By the time she was 10, she was already performing professionally on stage and in motion pictures.

Yvonne Lime made her film debut in The Rainmaker (1956), playing Snookie Maguire, and she stood out immediately. Her small red hat became a key comedy prop in the film and helped define the character.

The role wasn’t easy to cast. The director needed someone who could hold her own opposite major stars like Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn. After auditioning 51 girls, Yvonne walked in and impressed everyone instantly. Paramount was so certain they had found the right choice that they signed her right away—without even requiring a screen test.

The shapely blonde soon appeared in I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957) and also had an uncredited role as Sally in Elvis Presley’s Loving You that same year.

But it was I Was a Teenage Werewolf that truly put Yvonne Lime on the map. Produced for just $150,000, the movie went on to earn more than $2 million at the box office.

In 1958, Yvonne received top billing in Dragstrip Riot, further cementing her place in Hollywood history. Yet her legacy extended far beyond acting—she was also deeply committed to philanthropy.

In 1959, she co-founded the nonprofit Childhelp with fellow actress Sara O’Meara, dedicating herself to supporting abused, neglected, and at-risk children. Her long-standing humanitarian work later earned her five consecutive Nobel Peace Prize nominations from 2000 through 2005.

Childhelp announced her passing on social media, writing:

“This morning, Childhelp co-founder Yvonne Fedderson passed away peacefully. We honor Yvonne’s life by leaning on the light she shared unceasingly and the hope she nurtured for children and families through the life-saving mission she began 67 years ago. We are blessed to share her legacy, and we’re grateful to have been part of her life. As our hands and hearts find strength in our memories of Yvonne and her generous spirit, may all our hearts find comfort in the faith she treasured and the brilliant legacy of love she leaves behind. Thank you, Yvonne.”

Yvonne married TV producer Don Fedderson in 1969, and together they had a daughter, Dionne Fedderson.