Nancy Jane Kulp (August 28, 1921 – February 3, 1991) was a distinguished American character actress, celebrated for her memorable portrayal of Miss Jane Hathaway on the iconic CBS sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies.
Kulp's career began to flourish in the mid-1950s when she joined the cast of The Bob Cummings Show (Love That Bob) as the quirky bird watcher Pamela Livingstone. She made her mark in various roles, including Anastasia in NBC's It's a Great Life and a notable appearance in Orson Welles' pilot episode, "The Fountain of Youth," for Colgate Theatre. Kulp showcased her versatility by acting in classic series such as I Love Lucy, where she played an English maid in the episode "Lucy Meets the Queen."
Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, she continued to appear in several popular shows, including Perry Mason and The Twilight Zone. Her breakout role as Jane Hathaway came in 1962, where she captivated audiences as the love-lorn, birdwatching spinster until the show concluded in 1971. For her performance, Kulp received an Emmy Award nomination in 1967, solidifying her status in the television landscape.
In her later years, Kulp guest-starred on The Love Boat and appeared in the cult classic Quantum Leap. Despite being humorously labeled as "television's most homely girl," her comedic talent and presence left an indelible mark on American television.
