A 78-year-old Golden Globe-nominated actress who had been out of the spotlight for decades has died. Her sister posted a snapshot from 2016, which provided a look into her later years.
Sian Barbara Allen, well remembered for her appearance on “The Waltons,” died on March 31, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The obituary confirmed she had Alzheimer’s disease.
Allen gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing on famous television shows including “Marcus Welby, M.D.,” “Bonanza,” “Gunsmoke,” “Columbo,” and “The Rockford Files.” She received a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising New Actress for her performance in “You’ll Like My Mother” with Patty Duke and Richard Thomas in 1972.
She frequently played characters distinguished by empathy and vulnerability, which connected with viewers. In 1978, she made history as the first woman to write a script for “Baretta.”
Allen was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, and attended the Pasadena Playhouse before moving on to the Mark Taper Forum. She left public life in 1990 but remained involved in political causes, supporting labor rights and volunteering for Jackie Goldberg’s 1993 Los Angeles City Council campaign.
According to the obituary, Allen spent her final year in North Carolina, surrounded by her favorite books, music, and comfort foods—such as mac and cheese, root beer floats, and bacon cheeseburgers. She liked C-SPAN, Irish culture, and the music of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon’s “Graceland.”
Most importantly, she spent more time with her kid than she had in decades. AuthoraCare Collective Hospice of Burlington offered care that made her final months comfortable and pain-free.
Sian is survived by her daughter Emily Fonseca and son-in-law Max Fonseca; her sisters Hannah Davie and Meg Pokrass; her nephew Miles Bond; her ex-husband, Peter Gelblum; her cousins Marcy, Mike, and Mark Reuben; and her grandson, Arlo Fonseca, who, according to the obituary, “made her laugh more than anyone could dream.”
Tributes from relatives and former colleagues quickly followed, reflecting on Allen’s impact on and off the screen.
Allen’s sister, Pokrass, announced her death in a Facebook post, calling her a “wonderful sister” who “died peacefully today after a long illness.” Pokrass mentioned how much Allen cherished her online network, stating she “loved you all.”
She also uploaded a photo from 2016 of Allen being interviewed in Portland, Oregon. Allen smiles and appears calm in the photo, dressed in spectacles and a brown checkered coat.
Her beautiful, wavy red hair covers her face as she stands close to a friend, his arm wrapped around her. Pokrass was grateful for the snapshot and thanked the individual who sent it.
Allen’s former “Waltons” co-star, Mary McDonough, also paid tribute, recalling Allen’s compassion and the popular on-screen romance between their characters. McDonough reflected on Allen’s real-life relationship with Richard Thomas, recalling how fans accepted their connection both on and off screen.
Allen’s death comes less than a year after the loss of Tom Bower, who played Dr. Curtis Willard on “Waltons.” Bower died in his sleep on May 30, 2024, in his Los Angeles residence. He was 86.
Bower’s five-decade career included performances in “Die Hard 2,” “The Rockford Files,” “The X-Files,” and “The West Wing.” His longtime spokesman hailed him as “an exceptional human being” and recognized him for his strong support for actors’ rights.
In a separate loss for the acting world, Denis Arndt, noted for his appearances in “Basic Instinct” and “S.W.A.T.,” died at the age of 86 on March 25, 2025.
He passed away in the privacy of his beloved cabin home in Ashland, Oregon. His wife of 45 years, Magee Downey, confirmed his death.
His family said in his obituary that he died “in his beloved cabin home of almost 50 years” and “wouldn’t have had it any other way.” Arndt suffered and recovered from a stroke in 2019.
Born in 1939, Arndt’s career spans decades in cinema, television, and theater. He was a regular performer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for 15 seasons. His work also featured successful Broadway performances and well-known Hollywood parts.
His imposing presence and flexibility brought famous figures like King Lear, Titus Andronicus, and Iago to life in “Othello.” Aside from performing, he has directed films such as “Richard III” and “Cold Storage,” demonstrating his skill behind the scenes.
Arndt’s efforts expanded beyond Oregon. He appeared onstage at prestigious venues around the country, including the Seattle Repertory Theatre, Goodman Theatre, and Arena Stage. His work in New York featured significant performances at The Public Theatre.
On film, Arndt’s career was similarly outstanding. His cinematic credits include appearances in “Metro, Distant Thunder” and “Dolphin Tale 2.” He was also well-known on television, having appeared in series including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Supernatural,” “Boston Legal,” “24,” “The Practice,” and others.
Before entering the spotlight, Arndt led a life of bravery and dedication. He was a Vietnam War veteran who flew helicopters in battle and received the Purple Heart twice for his gallantry. After his military experience, he flew helicopters in Alaska, completing difficult missions in harsh terrain.
Moving to Seattle changed Arndt’s life in unforeseen ways. A friend encouraged him to audition for a local theatrical performance, and he was cast in the lead role. This unexpected encounter sparked his interest in acting, sending him on the path to a successful career on stage and in film.
He acted with the same passion and intensity that he had shown as a pilot. At 77, Arndt accomplished what many performers only dream of: making his Broadway debut.
On October 13, 2016, he performed in Simon Stephens’ “Heisenberg,” a two-character piece about a chance encounter between strangers that turns out to be something unexpected.
Arndt, who originated the character off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theater Club, portrayed Alex Priest, a cautious and serious man whose life is drastically altered by Georgie, portrayed by Mary-Louise Parker.
Though the play’s title alludes to Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, which states that one cannot perfectly estimate both an object’s position and momentum, the plot digs into the unpredictability of human interactions.
In many respects, Arndt’s trip to Broadway exemplified this principle: unexpected yet precisely timed. His career peaked when he received a Tony Award nomination for his role in “Heisenberg.”
Offstage, Arndt conveyed his character’s serene assurance. In a more laid-back train station interview, people regarded him as polite and kind, encouraging his dinner partner to sample Washington State oysters.
Arndt described hitting Broadway as “a really unexpected boon at my time of life,” matching Alex’s sentiments in the play. However, while Arndt ascribed most of his success to luck, others who worked with him emphasized his dedication, attention, and natural skill.
His desire to act began at a young age. Growing up near Seattle, a fascinating acting instructor inspired him to pursue theater as a youngster. “It happened at a time in my life when I was ready to be set on fire by something,” Arndt told me afterward.
The presence of “all the cute girls in drama,” including his ex-wife, Marjorie Arveson, heightened his enthusiasm. Arndt’s unexpected trip to Broadway was filled with purpose, passion, and unwavering commitment to his art, just like his entire life.
Arndt’s attraction to the water extended beyond his professional life. He found peace in sailing among the San Juan Islands, enjoying the freedom that comes with navigating wide seas. His family remembers him as a man who lived completely, combining charm, humor, and spontaneity with a strong love for his craft.
Downey, his wife, and their three children, Tanner, Bryce, and McKenna, survive Arndt. The actor also leaves four children from his previous marriage to Marjorie: Laurie, Scott, Tammy, and Kirsten.
His grandkids, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren also remember him. To honor his wishes, the family will not have any services.