Acting
Mae LaBorde
Mae LaBorde (May 13, 1909 – January 9, 2012) was an American actress whose remarkable career spanned the last years of her life, beginning at the astounding age of 93. She remained active in the entertainment industry until her passing at 102. LaBorde gained widespread recognition for her role as Gladys on the hit series *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* and for her frequent appearances on *Talkshow with Spike Feresten*.
Born in Fresno, California, to Paul and Fereday Shamlian, LaBorde moved to Los Angeles during the Great Depression. It was there that she met her husband, Nicholas Laborde, while riding the Red Car trolley, where he worked as a conductor. Throughout her life, she held various jobs, including serving as a bookkeeper for the famous bandleader Lawrence Welk.
LaBorde’s acting journey began in 2002, making her a late-blooming star in Hollywood. Notably, she was featured in a 2007 Yahoo! article that highlighted her unique path to fame. In 2009, at 99, she received an honorary DTV converter box on *Talkshow with Spike Feresten* after her humorous attempts to install one became a viral sensation.
LaBorde passed away in Santa Monica, California, where she had lived for over 80 years. She outlived her husband and daughter, leaving behind three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Her life story continues to inspire many for its celebration of resilience and late-life achievement.
Filmography