Who Is Still Alive From The Lawrence Welk Show: A Look Back And Present Day

Juanita Stanton 20 Jul 2025

For many, the very mention of "The Lawrence Welk Show" brings back a flood of warm memories, perhaps of family gatherings or quiet evenings spent enjoying wholesome entertainment. This beloved musical variety program, with its bubbly arrangements and charming performers, really became a household staple for generations. It's almost natural to wonder about the folks who brought that magic to life, especially as time moves on. So, a question that often pops up, and quite understandably, is `who is still alive from the lawrence welk show`?

It's a thought that crosses many minds, particularly for those who grew up watching the show. The Lawrence Welk Show had a rather large cast, you know, with many musicians, singers, and dancers, all contributing to its unique appeal. Over the years, as is the way of things, many of these cherished performers have, of course, passed on. Yet, there are some who have, in fact, continued to live vibrant lives, some even staying connected to the music and the fans who adored them.

This article aims to shed some light on that very question, drawing directly from information we have. We'll explore who has, sadly, passed away, and just who among the main actors and actresses from the show is still with us. This list includes those who were a truly integral part of the program, so you'll find them mentioned below, along with various bits of trivia about their time with the show. It's a way to remember their contributions and, perhaps, learn a little something new about their lives.

The Enduring Legacy of The Lawrence Welk Show
Who We Remember: Those Who Have Passed
Still Shining: Performers Who Are Still With Us
The Lawrence Welk Show Cast: Personal Details and Bio Data
Frequently Asked Questions About The Lawrence Welk Show Cast
A Look Back and a Nod to the Present

The Enduring Legacy of The Lawrence Welk Show

The Lawrence Welk Show, for many, remains a cherished part of television history. It was a program that, quite frankly, celebrated music in a way that truly resonated with its audience. Lawrence Welk himself, a native of North Dakota, created a show that emphasized family-friendly entertainment, a style that, you know, appealed to a very wide viewership. Even thirty years after its original run, Lawrence Welk has been on TV, which is a rather remarkable feat for any program.

The show's success was, in part, due to its consistent format and the dependable, pleasant performances from its large and varied cast. This cast included, as a matter of fact, a mix of seasoned musicians, bright-faced singers, and graceful dancers, each bringing their own flair to the stage. Their collective talent created a unique atmosphere, making the show a weekly ritual for countless families across the country. It's really quite something to think about its lasting impact.

Who We Remember: Those Who Have Passed

As of October 2023, it's a fact that many former cast members of The Lawrence Welk Show have, sadly, passed away. It's a natural part of life's progression, but it doesn't diminish the impact these performers had on their audience. A short list of cast members who have departed would, for example, include Lawrence Welk himself, his dedicated musical director, George Cates, and several beloved singers and dancers. We remember their contributions with great fondness.

Lawrence Welk and His Musical Direction

Lawrence Welk, the show's namesake and bandleader, is, of course, among those who have passed. His vision shaped the entire program, creating a distinctive sound that fans immediately recognized. His musical director, George Cates, also left us, having played a rather significant role behind the scenes in crafting the show's signature arrangements. Their combined efforts truly made the music what it was.

Singers and Champagne Ladies

The show featured many talented vocalists and dancers who became household names. Among the singers who are gone, we find Natalie Nevins, whose voice graced many a melody, and Joe Feeney, another popular vocalist. Jimmy Roberts, also a singer, is remembered fondly by fans. The elegant Champagne Ladies, Nora Zimmer and Alice Lon, have also passed away. Their grace and charm were a very important part of the show's visual appeal, and they are missed.

Other Notable Performers We've Lost

The cast was quite extensive, and many band members have also departed. Arthur Duncan, a truly virtuoso tap dancer, lived to be 98 years old, which is quite a long life. He kept tap dancing alive on The Lawrence Welk Show, and he passed away on January 4, 2023. Arthur Duncan was also known for appearances on "The Betty White Show," as a matter of fact. We also learned that Lynn Anderson is gone, and Clay Hart, who was one of the younger members of the cast, has also passed. Myron Floren and Norma Zimmer, along with Dick Dale, are also among the stars whom have passed, their names often remembered when speaking of the show's deceased cast members.

Still Shining: Performers Who Are Still With Us

Despite the passage of time, some familiar faces from The Lawrence Welk Show are, happily, still alive. As of October 2023, while many have retired from public life, a few, like Bobby Burgess and Gail Farrell, have occasionally made appearances, which is rather nice for the fans. Their continued presence, even if rare, really keeps the spirit of the show alive for many. It's a comfort to know they are still around.

Mary Lou Metzger: Still on the Air

Mary Lou Metzger is, for example, still alive, and many fans are delighted to know this. She is, in fact, still on the show on Saturdays, which means she remains connected to the program and its audience in a very direct way. Her continued involvement is a wonderful link to the show's golden era, and it's a joy for viewers to see her.

Cissy Houston: A Life of Music

Yes, Cissy Houston is still alive. Her time on The Lawrence Welk Show had its moments, as, you know, she had been habitually tardy for rehearsals and live performances, which apparently frustrated Welk. Ultimately, her request for letters of praise combined with her tardiness led to her dismissal from the show. Despite this past, her enduring life and contributions to music are, of course, well-known beyond the Welk show.

Guy and Ralna: Their Continued Connection

Many people wonder, "Are Guy and Ralna still alive?" and "Are Guy and Ralna still married?" Guy, for one, still performs two times a year at The Lawrence Welk Theater in Branson, Missouri, which is quite active. He also does concerts for festivals and churches, as highlighted in "Guy's Life." While the text doesn't explicitly state "Yes, Ralna is alive," the questions about their marital status imply her continued existence, as people usually only ask about living individuals. Their enduring connection to music and to each other is, in a way, a testament to their careers.

Bobby Burgess and Gail Farrell: Occasional Appearances

Bobby Burgess and Gail Farrell are, indeed, still alive. As of October 2023, these former cast members have, in fact, occasionally made public appearances. Their willingness to step back into the spotlight, even if just now and then, really allows fans to reconnect with them and recall the fond memories they created on the show. It's a lovely way to keep the spirit going, you know.

The Lawrence Welk Show Cast: Personal Details and Bio Data

The Lawrence Welk Show featured a truly diverse array of talent, each person bringing something special to the stage. While comprehensive biographical data for every single cast member is extensive, we can highlight some of the key figures and details mentioned in our text. This table provides a quick look at some of the main actors and actresses, helping to answer `who is still alive from the lawrence welk show` with more specific information.

Please note that this table focuses on individuals explicitly mentioned in the provided text regarding their status or specific biographical points. For a complete historical record of the entire cast, you might want to look at comprehensive fan sites or historical archives, like this one for The Welk Show Family.

Name	Role on Show	Current Status (as of Oct 2023/Jan 2024)	Notable Details from Text
Lawrence Welk	Bandleader, Host	Deceased	Show's namesake; native of North Dakota; show on TV thirty years after.
George Cates	Musical Director	Deceased	Welk's musical director.
Natalie Nevins	Singer	Deceased	Singer on the show.
Joe Feeney	Singer	Deceased	Singer on the show.
Jimmy Roberts	Singer	Deceased	Singer on the show.
Nora Zimmer	Champagne Lady	Deceased	One of the Champagne Ladies.
Alice Lon	Champagne Lady	Deceased	One of the Champagne Ladies.
Arthur Duncan	Tap Dancer, Singer	Deceased (Died Jan 4, 2023, aged 98)	Kept virtuoso tap dancing alive; appeared on "The Betty White Show."
Lynn Anderson	(Implied Performer)	Deceased	Mentioned as "gone."
Clay Hart	(Implied Performer)	Deceased	One of the younger members of the cast; mentioned as "gone."
Myron Floren	Accordionist	Deceased	Listed among those who have passed.
Norma Zimmer	Champagne Lady, Singer	Deceased	Listed among those who have passed.
Dick Dale	(Implied Performer)	Deceased	Listed among those who have passed.
Mary Lou Metzger	Singer, Dancer	Still Alive	Still on the show on Saturdays.
Cissy Houston	Singer	Still Alive	Dismissed from show due to tardiness and request for praise letters.
Guy Hovis	Singer	Still Alive	Performs two times a year at Lawrence Welk Theater in Branson, MO; does concerts for festivals/churches.
Ralna English	Singer	Still Alive (Implied)	Often paired with Guy; question "Is Guy and Ralna still alive" implies her continued life.
Bobby Burgess	Dancer	Still Alive	Occasionally makes appearances (as of Oct 2023).
Gail Farrell	Singer, Dancer	Still Alive	Occasionally makes appearances (as of Oct 2023).
Charlotte Perry Harris	Orchestra Member (Female)	Status Not Specified in Text	Only female member of the orchestra; born in Oak Park, lived in Maywood/River Forest; daughter of music teacher/violinist mother. Adopted stage name from accordion manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Lawrence Welk Show Cast

It's very common for fans to have questions about the cast members of The Lawrence Welk Show, especially concerning their current well-being. Here are a few common questions people often ask, and their answers based on our information.

Who are the surviving members of the Lawrence Welk Show?

As of October 2023, some of the surviving members of The Lawrence Welk Show include Mary Lou Metzger, Cissy Houston, Guy Hovis, Ralna English (implied), Bobby Burgess, and Gail Farrell. These individuals have, in fact, continued to live their lives, with some still making occasional public appearances or staying connected to the show's legacy. It's really quite wonderful to know they are still with us.

Is Mary Lou Metzger still performing?

Yes, Mary Lou Metzger is still alive and, in a way, still performing for fans. She is, as a matter of fact, on the show on Saturdays, which means she remains a visible and active part of the Lawrence Welk Show's continued presence on television. Her dedication is, you know, truly admirable.

What happened to Cissy Houston from the Lawrence Welk Show?

Cissy Houston is, indeed, still alive. Her time on The Lawrence Welk Show ended when she was dismissed. This occurred because she had been habitually tardy for rehearsals and live performances, which apparently caused frustration for Lawrence Welk. Additionally, her request for letters of praise further exacerbated the situation, ultimately leading to her departure. Her career, however, continued to flourish beyond the show, as many know.

A Look Back and a Nod to the Present

The Lawrence Welk Show holds a very special place in the hearts of many, and the performers who graced its stage are remembered with fondness. While time has taken many beloved figures from us, it's comforting to know that some of the show's stars are still alive and, in some cases, still connected to the music and the fans. Their enduring presence allows us to keep a piece of that musical history alive, and it's a lovely thought.

The interest in `who is still alive from the lawrence welk show` really speaks to the deep connection people felt with these entertainers. It's a reminder of the show's lasting impact and the joy it brought into homes for so many years. To learn more about classic television programs on our site, and you might also be interested in exploring other notable performers from that era.

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