title: Melba Rae
text: # Melba Rae
  
  Melba Rae Toombs, known professionally as Melba Rae (1921 or 1922 in Willard, Utah – December 29, 1971 in Manhattan) was an American soap opera actress.
  
  ## Career
  
  Rae acted in early daytime television, playing the wife of the couple next door on Search for Tomorrow for 20 years — from its inception in 1951 until her untimely death of a cerebral hemorrhage at New York Hospital. Her character, Marge Bergman, was best friends with the main character of the series, Joanne (played by Mary Stuart).
  
  ## Personal life
  
  Rae, a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was married to Gilbert Shawn from September 2, 1955, until her death. The couple had a son and daughter. Their son, Eric Shawn, became a reporter for Fox News Channel. Gilbert Shawn moved to Orlando, Florida later in life, where he died at the age of 84.
  
  ## Death
  
  On December 29, 1971, Rae died of a cerebral hemorrhage at New York Hospital in New York City, aged 49.
  
  