Acting
Jan Miner
Jan Miner (October 15, 1917 – February 15, 2004) was a talented American actress renowned for her iconic role as Madge the manicurist in Palmolive dishwashing detergent commercials, a position she held from the 1960s until the 1990s.
Born in Boston to a dentist and a painter, Jan had three brothers: Sheldon, Donald, and Lyndsey. She honed her artistic skills at the Vesper George School of Art before turning her focus to acting, studying under the guidance of Lee Strasberg and other notable instructors. Miner made her theatrical debut in 1945 in a Boston staging of Elmer Rice's "Street Scene."
As she transitioned to radio, Miner showcased her versatility by appearing in several series during the 1950s. She is remembered for her portrayals of secretary Della Street on "Perry Mason" and Ann Williams on "Casey, Crime Photographer," among other roles, including Mary Wesley on "Boston Blackie."
Miner also gained acclaim in anthology series like "Radio City Playhouse," where her performance in "Long Distance" garnered significant audience attention, leading to a repeat of her role later in the season.
From around 1948 until just before its conclusion in 1957, she starred as Julie Erickson, the head of an orphanage in the soap opera "Hilltop House," which was sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive. Her memorable commercials as Madge solidified her legacy in American pop culture.
