She passed away on Wednesday (12Oct11) after spending more than five months in hospital, according to the Associated Press.

Modell was born Patricia Breslin in New York in 1932 and landed recurring roles in a number of hit series, including The People's Choice, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and The Twilight Zone, as well as U.S. soaps Peyton Place and General Hospital.

At one point in her career, the actress starred in more TV shows than any other woman in history, however, that record was broken by Lucille Ball.

She later married businessman and former owner of the Baltimore Ravens, Art Modell, and retired from showbusiness in 1969 to focus on her family and charity commitments.