As a young child, Yvonne Lime was so timid she would cling to her mother whenever visitors arrived. Yet within a few years, that shy girl would grow into a confident performer who shared the screen with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars — including Elvis Presley.
Actress and humanitarian Yvonne Lime Fedderson passed away peacefully from natural causes at her home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, on Friday, January 23, 2026. She was 90 years old.
Early life and rise to fame
Born and raised in Glendale, California, Yvonne was enrolled in drama classes to help overcome her extreme shyness. The lessons worked remarkably well. By age 10, she was already acting professionally in theater and film.
Her movie debut came in The Rainmaker (1956), where she played Snookie Maguire. After dozens of girls auditioned for the role, Yvonne impressed filmmakers instantly and was hired on the spot — without even a screen test — despite acting alongside stars Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn.
In 1957, she gained wider recognition starring in the cult classic I Was a Teenage Werewolf, playing the girlfriend of Michael Landon’s character. That same year, she also appeared — uncredited — in Elvis Presley’s Loving You. The low-budget werewolf film became a massive success, earning more than $2 million worldwide.
Yvonne went on to headline Dragstrip Riot in 1958, further establishing her place in 1950s cinema.
Television career
Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, Lime appeared regularly on television. She co-starred in the NBC sitcom Happy as Sally Day and made multiple appearances on The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. Her guest roles included series such as The Hardy Boys, Crossroads, Bat Masterson, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Dobie Gillis, Wichita Town, and The People’s Choice.
Her final acting appearance was in 1968 on My Three Sons, produced by her husband, Don Fedderson.
Life beyond Hollywood
In 1959, Yvonne co-founded the nonprofit organization Childhelp alongside actress Sara O’Meara. The organization focused on protecting abused, neglected, and vulnerable children — a mission that became her life’s greatest passion. Her humanitarian efforts later earned her five consecutive Nobel Peace Prize nominations between 2000 and 2005.
Childhelp announced her passing with a heartfelt tribute, honoring her compassion, faith, and decades of devotion to children and families.
Yvonne married television producer Don Fedderson in 1969, and the couple welcomed a daughter, Dionne Fedderson. In her later years, Yvonne lived quietly with her daughter in Paradise Valley, far from the spotlight but deeply fulfilled by family and charitable work.
From a painfully shy child to a Hollywood actress and lifelong advocate for children, Yvonne Lime Fedderson leaves behind a powerful legacy of kindness, service, and enduring impact.