Hollywood veteran and well-known Malibu acting coach Teddi Sherman, 97, died of natural causes on Jan. 16, 2019.
In true Teddi style, a close friend shared, she made her entrance into the world on a train, born in Minnesota on April 1, 1921. When Teddi was two years old, her parents divorced and she ended up living in a convent for the next 14 years. At 16 years old, she escaped convent life by wiring her father, legendary producer Harry (Pop) Sherman, that she was joining the convent. The desired result by Teddi was achieved, as he immediately sent her a ticket to Los Angeles. Once she arrived, she never looked back, the friend said.
She started her career as an actress, starring in westerns such as “Colt Comrades” and “Dodge City” with Errol Flynn. Teddi then moved on to screenwriting as one of only seven women writers working in film and television at the time. She wrote her first screenplay, “Four Faces West,” in 1948; according to her friend, it was hailed by famed western director John Ford as one of the best westerns ever written. She wrote many other movies as well as television shows including “Everglades,” “Sea Hunt,” “Mannix,” “Rip Cord,” “Wagon Train” and “The Rifleman.” In between writing, she also starred on Broadway with Leon Ames for a season.
What was most important to Teddi, however, was her devotion and love for the Malibu community, her loved ones shared. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Sherman Baylin, many animals, and “one hell of a legacy.”
There will be a celebration of life for Teddi in Malibu at the Point Dume Clubhouse (29500 Heathercliff Road) on March 3 from 2-5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made on Facebook to the Malibu charity Healthcare for Homeless Animals.