Mona Freeman dies at 87

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 7 (UPI) -- Mona Freeman, the actress known for playing doe-eyed teenager roles in the 1940s and 1950s, died May 23 at her home in Beverly Hills, her daughter said. She was 87.

Freeman died from a lengthy illness, her daughter Mona Hubbell said.

For nearly a decade Freeman became known for her roles as a wholesome teenager starting in her first film, Til We Meet Again, and continuing with Junior Miss, Dear Ruth, Dear Wife and Dear Brat.

At age 27 in 1956, Freeman complained about being typecast.

"It was fine for a while," she told the Times. "Casting directors had only to find my agent's number to fill that type of role. But just like driving the same road day after day, they've become a bore to me."

The actress also appeared in several television series, including Maverick, Perry Mason and Checkmate.

She later gave up acting to become a painter.

Freeman is survived by her daughter, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.