Elvis Co-Star & TV Veteran Laurel Goodwin Passes Away At 79

Laurel Goodwin, the actress who played Elvis Presley’s love interest in the 1962 musical comedy “Girls! Girls! Girls!” has passed away at the age of 79. Goodwin played several memorable roles throughout her brief acting career. Laurel was the last surviving cast member of Gene Roddenberry’s original Star Trek pilot.

Goodwin was a staple of television throughout the 1960s. Although she never had a starring role, she appeared in many hit series that went on to influence the medium for decades to come. Laurel appeared on Mannix, Get Smart, and The Beverly Hillbillies in the late 1960s.

The cause of Laurel Goodwin’s death was not released. The New York Post confirmed her passing with her sister, Maureen Scott. The sad news left old-school television fans feeling very sad.

During the filming of Girls! Girls! Girls!, Laurel Goodwin infamously gave Elvis an erection on camera. The scene even made the final cut of the film. The scene had Laurel, who played the love interest of The King, dancing with him in a living room.

Laurel Goodwin retired from acting to become a nurse in 1971. Goodwin stopped working altogether when her husband became ill. Laurel ended up remaining in nursing for 35 over 35 years.

Classic stars of early television are becoming a rare thing as time continues to pass inevitably. Laurel Goodwin had a great career and even acted alongside Elvis. The fact that she gave it all away to help others tells us all we need to know about the kind of person she was.

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