Betty Garrett (born May 23, 1919 in Saint Joseph, Missouri) is an American actress and dancer who belonged to the golden era of the movie musical. However, she is probably best known for a pair of roles in two prominent 1970s sitcoms. In late 1973, she joined the cast of All in the Family, playing Archie Bunker's socially liberal next-door neighbor, "Irene Lorenzo", a role she would remain in until her character was phased out in late 1975. The following year she joined the cast of Happy Days spin-off, Laverne and Shirley as "Edna Babish", Laverne and Shirley's landlady, who eventually married Laverne's father. She remained with that series until 1982. She was married to Larry Parks, star of The Jolson Story and one of the "Blacklisted Hollywood 19" to be brought before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Although she herself was never accused, her career Hollywood suffered because of her husband's predicament. She found out to her happy surprise that the blacklist did not extend to Las Vegas or New York City.
