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  3. 'Sheena, Queen Of The Jungle': Irish McCalla's Tragic Death

'Sheena, Queen Of The Jungle': Irish McCalla's Tragic Death

Laura Pérez / May 13, 2025 - 07:00 am

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Pinterest Irish McCalla
(© imago images/Everett Collection)

Irish McCalla

Born on December 25, 1928, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, Irish McCalla rose to fame for her portrayal of "Sheena" in 26 episodes of 'Sheena, Queen of the Jungle', between 1955 and 1956.

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Pinterest Irish McCalla
(© IMAGO/Pond5 Images)

Irish McCalla

The star was discovered by a Nassour Studios agent while she was throwing a bamboo spear on a California beach.

She once admitted she couldn't act, but "I could swing through the trees".

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Pinterest Irish McCalla
(© imago images/Everett Collection)

Irish McCalla

Apart from her role on 'Sheena, Queen of the Jungle', the actress built a successful film career.

She, for instance, played "Jerrie" in 'She Demons', portrayed "Marie" on 'The Beat Generation' and appeared as "Holly" in 'Hands of a Stranger'.

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Pinterest Irish McCalla
(© imago/ZUMA Press)

Irish McCalla

McCalla was also notorious as a talented pinup model. 

Starting in 1950, she appeared on the cover of multiple publications, including 'Eve', 'Show', 'People Today' and 'Scarlet Street', among others.

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Pinterest Irish McCalla
(© imago images/Everett Collection)

Irish McCalla

As for her personal life, the actress married three times.

From 1951 to 1957 she was married to Patrick McIntyre. Later on, in 1964, she tied the knot with Patrick Horgan, but they divorced in 1969.

Her third husband was Chuck Rowland, with whom she remained married from 1982 to 1989.

Irish McCalla had two children with her first partner.

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Pinterest Irish McCalla
(© imago/ZUMA Press)

Irish McCalla

Quick facts about Irish McCalla:

  • Was also a painter. Her work has been exhibited at the Los Angeles Museum of Arts and Sciences
  • Has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame
  • Used to perform her own stunts on 'Sheena, Queen of the Jungle' until she broke her arm
  • Got the part in the series after actress Anita Ekberg turned it down
  • Asteroid 83464 Irishmccalla was named in her honor

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Pinterest Irish McCalla
(© imago/ZUMA Press)

Irish McCalla

Irish McCalla was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1969 and then again in 1981. She successfully recovered from both of them.

Sadly, on February 1, 2002, the actress passed away at age 73, in Tucson, Arizona.

She died of a stroke and complications from a new brain tumor.

Actress Irish McCalla played the lead role on 'Sheena, Queen of the Jungle', show that revolved around the female counterparter of "Tarzan."

Irish McCalla: The Tragic Death Of The 'Sheena, Queen Of The Jungle' Star

After a successful film and television career, Irish died at age 73 in 2002.

This is what caused her death.

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