‘Madge’ from TV ads dies at 86

Jan Miner famed for Palmolive ads

AP file	Jan Miner, shown in 1955, was a New York stage actress before gaining fame as Madge, the manicurist in Palmolive television ads.

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updated 8:06 p.m. ET Feb. 17, 2004

BETHEL, Conn. - Jan Miner, a New York stage actress who gained fame as “Madge the Manicurist” in Palmolive television ads, has died. She was 86.

Her agent tells The New York Times that Miner died Sunday at a health care facility in Bethel, Connecticut.

From the 1940s to the 1980s, Miner appeared on and off Broadway.

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She also appeared in radio programs, including a leading role in “Boston Blackie,” a series in the late 1940s.

Miner won her most widespread attention in Palmolive commercials as Madge, praising the gentleness of its dish detergent to a customer surprised to find her hands soaking in it. She played the character for 27 years.

Miner frequently shared the stage with her husband of 35 years, Richard Merrell, an actor and writer. He died in 1988.

Miner is survived by a brother.