Laura Devon (born Mary Louise Briley; May 23, 1931 – July 19, 2007) was an American actress and singer whose career flourished during the early-to-mid 1960s, particularly on television. Though her film work was limited, she became a familiar presence on some of the most popular dramatic series of the era, carving out a reputation for elegance, emotional intelligence, and quiet intensity.
Early Life and Education
Laura Devon was born on May 23, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. Her birth name is variously recorded as Mary Lou Briley or Mary Laura Briley. Her father, Merrill Devon, was an automotive engineer, and her mother was Velma Prather. Devon spent her early years in Chicago and Grosse Pointe.
She attended Wayne State University, where she studied journalism and political science. While there, she discovered acting through participation in school theater productions. After college, she performed in amateur theater, light opera, and stage productions in the Midwest. Her first professional role was a leading part in The Boy Friend at the Vanguard Playhouse in Detroit.
In 1954, Devon gave birth to her only child, Kevin, who would later become a successful screenwriter known for films such as Tombstone.
Screen Career
Devon’s entry into Hollywood came in 1961 when she was discovered by a talent executive while singing at the London Chop House in Detroit. She signed a contract with Universal-International Studios, where she spent a year in intensive training, studying singing, drama, and dance under studio coaches. Although she was not cast in a feature film during that contract period, the experience provided her with formal preparation that proved valuable in television.
From 1960 to 1967, Devon built a steady and respected television career. Her first significant role came in a 1962 episode of Route 66, which opened the door to numerous guest appearances on major series. She appeared on The Twilight Zone, Rawhide, Bonanza, I Spy, The Fugitive, The Big Valley, The Invaders, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre, and The Rogues, among many others.
She had a recurring role on Dr. Kildare and was part of the rotating repertory cast on The Richard Boone Show, a critically acclaimed anthology series that allowed actors to play a wide range of characters. This format suited Devon well and showcased her versatility.
In film, Devon appeared in a small but notable group of features. Her roles included Goodbye Charlie (1964), Red Line 7000 (1965), Chamber of Horrors (1966), A Covenant with Death (1967), and Gunn (1967). While none of these films made her a star, they cemented her image as a poised and capable performer of the era.
Singing Career
Devon’s singing career was limited but distinctive. She released a single featuring the songs “I Like the Look” and “Dreamsville,” both composed by Henry Mancini for the film Gunn. Her voice can also be heard on the soundtrack of Mr. Sycamore (1975), performing the song “Time Goes By,” written by her then-husband, composer Maurice Jarre, with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.
Personal Life
Devon was married and divorced four times. Her third marriage, to actor Brian Kelly, lasted from 1962 to 1966. Shortly after their wedding, the two appeared together onstage in Toys in the Attic. Kelly later became widely known for his role on the television series Flipper.
In 1967, Devon married composer Maurice Jarre, whose film scores would later include Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, and Witness. Following this marriage, she retired from acting. Jarre adopted her son Kevin, who thereafter took the surname Jarre. The marriage ended in divorce in 1984.
Later Life and Death
After leaving the entertainment industry, Devon lived largely out of the public eye. She died of heart failure on July 19, 2007, in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 76.
Though her career was relatively brief, Laura Devon remains a representative figure of 1960s television drama—a performer whose presence was felt across dozens of influential series during the medium’s golden age.
