Maree Cheatham: A Prolific Actress with a Distinguished Career

Maree Cheatham, born on June 2, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA, is a seasoned actress known for her remarkable performances, range and staying power in the entertainment industry. With an acting career that spans over five decades, Cheatham has made a significant mark on daytime soap operas, prime-time television series, and feature films. She has been credited as Marie Cheatham for much of her early career.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Maree Cheatham was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. She graduated from Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas, in 1958. She was married to Bill Arvin in 1964, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1974. In 1998, she married singer and songwriter Robert Staron, also known as Bobbo Staron.

Television Appearances and Soap Opera Success

Cheatham’s television career began in the mid-1960s when she secured a role in the popular daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives. She was an original cast member, playing the role of Marie Horton, one of the Horton children. Marie Horton was the show’s first heroine, who went through several traumatic relationships before joining a convent to become a nun. Cheatham’s portrayal of Marie Horton was impactful and memorable, leading to her reprising the role in later years for tributes and special appearances.

After leaving Days of Our Lives in 1973, Cheatham moved to New York, where she originated the role of the sarcastic and vampy Stephanie Wilkins on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow. Cheatham’s performance as Stephanie Wilkins brought a new level of complexity and depth to the character, making her a fan favorite. In 1987, Cheatham joined the regular cast of General Hospital, where she played Lucy Coe’s fun-loving Aunt Charlene Simpson.

Prolific Television and Film Career

Beyond her success in soap operas, Cheatham has made numerous guest appearances in TV series such as Gunsmoke, Cagney and Lacey, Quantum Leap, The Nanny, Dharma & Greg, Profiler, Judging Amy, Scrubs, The West Wing, Monk, Cold Case, and Desperate Housewives.

Cheatham has also made her mark in the world of film. She has appeared in feature movies such as Soul Man, A Night at the Roxbury, Hanging Up, Labor Pains, and Letters to God. Her roles in films like Beetlejuice, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, America’s Sweethearts, and her memorable cameo in The Wedding Singer, where she innocently asked Billy Idol about the “mile high club,” have added to her diverse filmography.

Personal Life and Recent Work

Maree Cheatham has been married to Robert Staron since November 22, 1998. The couple is still together, showcasing a successful marriage in an industry known for its turbulent relationships.

In recent years, American actres Marie Cheatham has continued to work in television and movies, with roles in popular shows like Hart of Dixie, Baskets, and Young Sheldon. She continues to be active in the entertainment industry, bringing her distinctive acting style to every role she takes on.

Conclusion

Maree Cheatham’s career is a testament to her talent, versatility, and commitment to her craft. From her early days on soap operas to her diverse roles in television and film, she has demonstrated the ability to bring a unique depth and charisma to her characters. With her ongoing work in the industry, Cheatham continues to be a dynamic and engaging presence on screen.