Merry Anders practically grew up in local bijous watching films and their accompanying stage shows with her movie-crazy mother and grandmother. The family relocated to Los Angeles in 1949 and, while attending John Burroughs Junior High School, Anders made the acquaintance of 'Rita La Roy' , an old-time film actress who convinced her to take a modeling course. Later, to help her with her modeling, she took dramatic lessons at the Ben Bard Playhouse and was "spotted" by a 20th Century-Fox talent scout in a Playhouse stage presentation. After several years at Fox, Anders turned freelancer, working in TV as well as starring in a string of modestly budgeted Western, science fiction and horror films.
Although she was actually a blonde, Jack Webb insisted that she wear a brunette wig during her appearances on the second "Dragnet 1967" series (1967-70) on the grounds that it made her look more serious.
She continued acting in the 1970s by registering for at least one class at Los Angeles Valley College each year in order to appear in a college play. Among her credits was "The Glass Menagerie", and playing her daughter was the soon-to-be-famous TV actress Christopher Norris.
She had a daughter who attended Los Angeles Valley College in the 1970s. Apparently trying to follow in her mothers footsteps, the daughter appeared in college plays, for example, "A Midsummers Night Dream," but without much acclaim or, as far as is known, without any professional appearances later.
In 2005, resided in Encino, California, with her husband.
Interviewed in Tom Weaver s books "Attack of the Monster Movie Makers" (McFarland & Co., 1994) and "A Sci-Fi Swarm and Horror Horde" (McFarland & Co., 2010).
Retired after 25 years at Litton Data Systems as a Customer Relations coordinator
