Maree Cheatham is a veteran American actress with a career spanning six decades. Best known for her long-running roles in popular soap operas like “Days of Our Lives” and “General Hospital,” she later introduced herself to younger audiences as Nona on Nickelodeon’s “Sam & Cat.” Her extensive filmography includes appearances in cult classics like “Beetlejuice” and romantic comedies such as “The Wedding Singer.”
Biography Table
| Full Name | Maree Cheatham |
|---|---|
| Profession | Actress |
| Age | 85 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Date | June 2, 1940 |
| Birth Sign | Gemini |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | $3-5 million (estimated 2025) |
Early Life & Background
Maree Cheatham was born on June 2, 1940, in Oklahoma. While details about her early family life remain relatively private, her Oklahoma roots provided the foundation for what would become an impressively long-lasting career in television and film. Growing up in the mid-20th century, she developed an interest in performance arts that would eventually lead her to pursue acting professionally. Information about her formal education and early influences isn’t widely documented, though her sustained career suggests dedicated training and natural talent.
Television Career Beginnings
Cheatham’s television career launched with an impressive start when she appeared in the inaugural 1965 season of NBC’s “Days of Our Lives.” Taking on the role of Marie Horton, she became one of the original cast members of what would become one of the longest-running scripted television programs in the world. This early breakthrough established her as a reliable television actress and set the stage for decades of consistent work.
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Soap Opera Success
After her initial success on “Days of Our Lives,” Maree continued to build her reputation in daytime television. Her most notable soap opera contribution came through her portrayal of Aunt Charlene Simpson on the immensely popular “General Hospital.” These long-running roles demonstrated her ability to develop characters over extended periods and connect with dedicated daytime television audiences. Her soap opera work established her as a familiar face to millions of American viewers.
Film Appearances
While television provided Cheatham with consistent work, she also built an impressive film resume. She appeared in Tim Burton’s supernatural comedy “Beetlejuice” (1988), the Adam Sandler romantic comedy “The Wedding Singer” (1998), and the Jennifer Aniston romantic comedy “Rumor Has It” (2005). These film appearances showcased her versatility beyond the soap opera format and introduced her to broader audiences.
Later Career Renaissance
In her later career, Cheatham experienced a renaissance by introducing herself to a new generation through youth-oriented programming. Her role as Nona on Nickelodeon’s “Sam & Cat” (2013-2014) brought her talents to younger viewers and demonstrated her ability to remain relevant across dramatically different eras of television. This career phase highlighted her adaptability as a performer.
Notable Guest Appearances
Throughout her career, Cheatham made numerous guest appearances on popular television series. One notable example includes her role as Governor Peggy Wade in a 2005 episode of the acclaimed political drama “The West Wing.” She also appeared in a 1970 episode of the classic Western series “Gunsmoke,” starring James Arness. These varied appearances throughout different decades demonstrate her versatility and longevity as a character actress.
Personal Life
Maree Cheatham’s personal life includes two marriages. Her first marriage to Bill Arvin ended in 1974. After two decades, she found love again with singer-songwriter Robert “Bobbo” Staron, whom she married in the 1990s. While she has maintained a relatively private personal life, her long-term marriage to Staron suggests a stable partnership that has supported her throughout the later stages of her career.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Maree Cheatham’s estimated net worth is between $3-5 million. This wealth reflects her long-standing career in television and film spanning over 60 years. Her financial success derives primarily from consistent acting work, including long-term contracts with major television networks, film appearances, and residuals from her extensive body of work. While not among Hollywood’s wealthiest stars, her sustained career has provided her with financial stability.
Physical Appearance
Maree Cheatham stands at approximately 5’4" (163 cm). Throughout her career, she has maintained a professional appearance suitable for the various characters she portrays. As she aged, her distinctive features and expressive face have made her well-suited for character roles that require conveying wisdom and personality.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
Maree Cheatham has demonstrated remarkable longevity in an industry known for short-lived careers, working consistently from the 1960s into the 2020s. Her career spans from black-and-white television to digital streaming platforms, witnessing and adapting to numerous technological and cultural shifts in entertainment. Her ability to transition between soap operas, primetime television, feature films, and children’s programming showcases exceptional versatility as a performer.
Associated With
Throughout her extensive career, Cheatham has worked with numerous notable performers. She appeared in “Gunsmoke” with James Arness, one of television’s most recognizable Western stars. Her later career included working with younger television stars on Nickelodeon’s “Sam & Cat.” This multigenerational aspect of her career highlights her ability to adapt to changing entertainment landscapes and connect with performers across different eras.
FAQ
Q: What are Maree Cheatham’s most famous roles?
A: Maree is best known for playing Marie Horton on “Days of Our Lives,” Aunt Charlene Simpson on “General Hospital,” and Nona on Nickelodeon’s “Sam & Cat.”
Q: How long has Maree Cheatham been acting?
A: Maree has been acting professionally since 1965, giving her a career spanning over 60 years.
Q: What notable films has Maree Cheatham appeared in?
A: Her film credits include “Beetlejuice,” “The Wedding Singer,” and “Rumor Has It.”
Q: Who is Maree Cheatham married to?
A: Maree is married to singer-songwriter Robert “Bobbo” Staron. She was previously married to Bill Arvin until 1974.