TV Article 'I Love Lucy' guest star Shirley Mitchell dies at 94 By Samantha Highfill Samantha Highfill Samantha is a writer based in Los Angeles. Television is her one true love, and she tweets about it. A lot. EW's editorial guidelines Published on November 13, 2013 11:22PM EST Photo: Everett Collection Shirley Mitchell, who appeared in three episodes of I Love Lucy in its 1953-54 season, died of heart failure on Monday. She was 94. Mitchell played Marion Strong on I Love Lucy, a friend of Lucy’s who was easily identified by her cackle. She was believed to be the last surviving cast member from the show. You might also recognize Mitchell from her work on The Odd Couple, Three’s Company, Dallas, or The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, along with a number of other shows. Her film career included Jamboree, Big Business, The War of the Roses, and more. Mitchell was the widow of pop composer Jay Livingston and is survived by her sister-in-law and two children, Scott and Brooke.