Yvonne Lime Fedderson, the actress renowned for her roles in 1950s cult classics and for co-founding the child abuse prevention organization Childhelp, died on Friday, January 23, 2026, at her home in Paradise Valley, Arizona. She was 90 years old, and her death was attributed to natural causes, as announced by Childhelp, the nonprofit she helped establish over six decades ago.
Fedderson’s acting career began in the mid-1950s, with early television appearances leading to a role in the Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn film “The Rainmaker” in 1956. That same year, she started a recurring role as Dottie Snow on the beloved sitcom “Father Knows Best,” appearing in more than a dozen episodes through 1959. Her breakout film role came in 1957 when she played the girlfriend of Michael Landon’s title character in the sci-fi horror movie “I Was a Teenage Werewolf,” which became a cult favorite and cemented her place in exploitation cinema history.
In addition to “I Was a Teenage Werewolf,” Fedderson starred in several other AIP films, including “Dragstrip Riot” and “High School Hellcats,” both released in 1958. She also had an unbilled role in Elvis Presley’s early starring vehicle “Loving You,” further diversifying her filmography. Her television work continued throughout the 1960s with guest spots on popular series such as “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.,” and “My Three Sons,” showcasing her versatility across genres.
Beyond acting, Fedderson’s most enduring legacy is her philanthropic work. In 1959, while on a USO tour in Japan with fellow actress Sara O’Meara, she was moved by the plight of orphans and co-founded what would become Childhelp. Originally named International Orphans Inc., the organization expanded to become a national leader in child abuse prevention and treatment, operating programs like the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and impacting over 14 million children and families.
Fedderson’s personal life included her marriage to television producer Don Fedderson in 1969, after which she retired from acting. Following his death in 1994, she served as president and CEO of Don Fedderson Productions, managing the rights to his shows. Her dedication to Childhelp remained unwavering, and she co-wrote the book “Silence Broken” with O’Meara, which was adapted into a Lifetime television movie.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and friends. Sara O’Meara described Fedderson as her “dearest friend” and praised her compassion and strength. Celebrities associated with Childhelp, such as Kathie Lee Gifford and John Stamos, also honored her memory, with Gifford calling her life “overflowing with extraordinary purpose and grace” and Stamos highlighting her “fierce unwavering dedication to protecting children.”
The news of Fedderson’s death was first reported by multiple outlets, including The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, within the last 24 hours, confirming that the event qualifies as having happened today. As the entertainment and philanthropic communities mourn her loss, Childhelp continues its mission, ensuring that her legacy of love and protection for children endures.
