Sian Barbara Allen, Former Actress and Star of ‘The Waltons,’ Dies at 78
So sad to read today that actress/author Sian Barbara Allen has passed away, age 78, from Alzheimer’s disease. Very much a presence during the 70’s, talented with a distinctive look.
Sian Barbara Allen, actor known for ‘The Waltons’ and ‘You’ll Like My Mother.
“She lived her final year of life in North Carolina, surrounded by all of her favorite things, new friends, and more time with [her daughter] Emily than she’d had in 35 years,” the obituary stated.
R.I.P. SIAN BARBARA ALLEN pic.twitter.com/ouPuyPWrHr
— FAMOUS WOMEN (@Kevin10919728) April 1, 2025
Allen is survived by her daughter Emily Fonseca, two sisters, Hannah Davie and Meg Pokrass, nephew, Miles Bond, ex-husband, Peter Gelblum and grandson, Arlo Fonseca, who, per the obituary, “made her laugh more than anyone could dream.”
Allen’s sister Pokrass confirmed the news on Facebook, writing, “My wonderful sister, actress Sian Barbara Allen died peacefully today after a long illness … This loss is too hard.”
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Who was Sian Barbara Allen?
Sian Barbara Allen (July 12, 1946 – March 31, 2025) was an American actress who mainly appeared on television throughout the 1970s.
A native of Reading, Pennsylvania, Allen studied at the Pasadena Playhouse before appearing in her first screen role on the series O’Hara, U.S. Treasury in 1971.
She went on to appear in numerous television series in the ensuing years, including recurring appearances on The Waltons, Gunsmoke, and Ironside.
For her performance in You’ll Like My Mother, Allen was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.
Allen died in Chapel Hill, North Carolina from Alzheimer’s disease on March 31, 2025, at the age of 78.