Ann Cullen passed away peacefully on July 21, 2018. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. She was born on June 6, 1928 in Washington, D.C. Her father was Heinz Roemheld, a composer, pianist and conductor who in 1942 won an Oscar for scoring Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Heinz met his future wife and Ann's mother, Emeline Defnet, at a theatre in Milwaukee where Heinz was conducting while Emeline, on a dare, entered and won the beauty pageant. Ann had one sister, Mary Lou, who was born 11 months earlier. In the 30's Ann's father established himself as a prominent movie composer and moved his family to Southern California.
In 1946 Ann graduated from North Hollywood High School. She attended USC, where she majored in art. In 1949, she married fellow USC graduate, John Burns Macomber. They were divorced in 1953.
Runway modeling was one of Ann's first jobs. She was discovered and hired by designer DeDe Johnson, who is credited with several fashion firsts including pedal pushers and clam diggers. Ann quickly became one of DeDe's favorite models showcasing the latest styles at Robinson's famous 'Tea Room.' Ann appeared in several feature films in mostly bit parts and various television commercials earning her SEG/SAG card, while continuing her steady work as a model.
Her life changed in October of 1954 when she met game show icon Bill Cullen at her sister's home. Bill was working with Mary Lou's husband, television host Jack Narz. Ann and Bill were married in New York on December 24th, 1955. Ann appeared on several of Bill's top-rated game shows over the years.
She occasionally surprised her husband by showing up as a model on episodes of Bill's "Price Is Right" in the mid- fifties. She also appeared with Bill on many husband and wife game shows such as "Tattletales," "He Said, She Said," along with other shows including "Person to Person" with CBS newscaster, Edward R. Morrow.
Ann and Bill shared 23 wonderful years in New York City, where they had a beautiful home overlooking Central Park. Some of her fondest memories were of planning trips and travelling with Bill and friends on their 40 foot cabin cruiser. They sailed extensively up and down the Eastern Seaboard calling at ports like Nantucket, Fishers Island and Martha's Vineyard. A favorite voyage of Ann's took them up the Hudson River through the locks to St. Jean Quebec. As First Mate her many responsibilities included chef, bartender, fender and mooring line handler, you name it, she did it and enjoyed every minute.
In 1978, Ann and Bill moved from their beloved Manhattan to sunny Southern California. Their first home was in Casiano Estates at the top of Sepulveda Pass. Ann and Bill lived a magical life in California, where Bill continued to host numerous network and syndicated game shows until his death in 1990. A true love story ended with Bill's passing.
In 1998, Ann moved to Orange County, California, bringing her closer to her sister and other family. In 2004, Ann moved to her home in Corona Del Mar, overlooking Balboa Island with a wonderful view of the ocean and Catalina. Highlights of these years would include Ann's planning and hosting of the monthly poker game with a group of old pals which included her dear friend and notorious card shark actress Betty White.
Ann's interest in art, nurtured in college, grew into a lifelong passion. She furthered her studies at the Chouinard Art Institute in California then later at the Art Students League in New York. This led to a lifetime of hours in the studio where Ann produced hundreds of paintings, drawings and water colors primarily of landscapes and flowers; although she was also quite proud of her charcoal sketches stored in her 'drawer-full of naked people.'
Her passion also steered her to become a collector of fine art and sculptures. Ann's home was filled with paintings with an emphasis on the 'California Regionalist Artist.' Her collection will be donated to the Bowers Museum which will allow everyone to enjoy these impressive pieces. Ann is also bestowing a pair of Tom Van Sant bronze owl sculptures to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach which will join the artist's current Dolphin and Sandpiper wall sculptures.
Vern Monroe, a long time friend and travelling companion predceased Ann. As did her beloved Shihpoo, Pucci. Ann will be remembered for her good-natured personality and generosity. She is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Narz, nephew John Narz, niece Karen Ferretti and husband Randy, nephew David Narz and wife Debbie, along with several grand and great-grand nephews and nieces. There will be a private celebration of life.
Published in The New York Times on July 29, 2018
Heinz met his future wife and Ann's mother, Emeline Defnet, at a theatre in Milwaukee where Heinz was conducting while Emeline, on a dare, entered and won the beauty pageant. Ann had one sister, Mary Lou, who was born 11 months earlier. In the 30's Ann's father established himself as a prominent movie composer and moved his family to Southern California.
In 1946 Ann graduated from North Hollywood High School. She attended USC, where she majored in art. In 1949, she married fellow USC graduate, John Burns Macomber. They were divorced in 1953.
Runway modeling was one of Ann's first jobs. She was discovered and hired by designer DeDe Johnson, who is credited with several fashion firsts including pedal pushers and clam diggers. Ann quickly became one of DeDe's favorite models showcasing the latest styles at Robinson's famous 'Tea Room.' Ann appeared in several feature films in mostly bit parts and various television commercials earning her SEG/SAG card, while continuing her steady work as a model.
Her life changed in October of 1954 when she met game show icon Bill Cullen at her sister's home. Bill was working with Mary Lou's husband, television host Jack Narz. Ann and Bill were married in New York on December 24th, 1955. Ann appeared on several of Bill's top-rated game shows over the years.
She occasionally surprised her husband by showing up as a model on episodes of Bill's "Price Is Right" in the mid- fifties. She also appeared with Bill on many husband and wife game shows such as "Tattletales," "He Said, She Said," along with other shows including "Person to Person" with CBS newscaster, Edward R. Morrow.
Ann and Bill shared 23 wonderful years in New York City, where they had a beautiful home overlooking Central Park. Some of her fondest memories were of planning trips and travelling with Bill and friends on their 40 foot cabin cruiser. They sailed extensively up and down the Eastern Seaboard calling at ports like Nantucket, Fishers Island and Martha's Vineyard. A favorite voyage of Ann's took them up the Hudson River through the locks to St. Jean Quebec. As First Mate her many responsibilities included chef, bartender, fender and mooring line handler, you name it, she did it and enjoyed every minute.
In 1978, Ann and Bill moved from their beloved Manhattan to sunny Southern California. Their first home was in Casiano Estates at the top of Sepulveda Pass. Ann and Bill lived a magical life in California, where Bill continued to host numerous network and syndicated game shows until his death in 1990. A true love story ended with Bill's passing.
In 1998, Ann moved to Orange County, California, bringing her closer to her sister and other family. In 2004, Ann moved to her home in Corona Del Mar, overlooking Balboa Island with a wonderful view of the ocean and Catalina. Highlights of these years would include Ann's planning and hosting of the monthly poker game with a group of old pals which included her dear friend and notorious card shark actress Betty White.
Ann's interest in art, nurtured in college, grew into a lifelong passion. She furthered her studies at the Chouinard Art Institute in California then later at the Art Students League in New York. This led to a lifetime of hours in the studio where Ann produced hundreds of paintings, drawings and water colors primarily of landscapes and flowers; although she was also quite proud of her charcoal sketches stored in her 'drawer-full of naked people.'
Her passion also steered her to become a collector of fine art and sculptures. Ann's home was filled with paintings with an emphasis on the 'California Regionalist Artist.' Her collection will be donated to the Bowers Museum which will allow everyone to enjoy these impressive pieces. Ann is also bestowing a pair of Tom Van Sant bronze owl sculptures to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach which will join the artist's current Dolphin and Sandpiper wall sculptures.
Vern Monroe, a long time friend and travelling companion predceased Ann. As did her beloved Shihpoo, Pucci. Ann will be remembered for her good-natured personality and generosity. She is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Narz, nephew John Narz, niece Karen Ferretti and husband Randy, nephew David Narz and wife Debbie, along with several grand and great-grand nephews and nieces. There will be a private celebration of life.
Published in The New York Times on July 29, 2018
Ann Cullen passed away peacefully on July 21, 2018. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. She was born on June 6, 1928 in Washington, D.C. Her father was Heinz Roemheld, a composer, pianist and conductor who in 1942 won an Oscar for scoring Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Heinz met his future wife and Ann's mother, Emeline Defnet, at a theatre in Milwaukee where Heinz was conducting while Emeline, on a dare, entered and won the beauty pageant. Ann had one sister, Mary Lou, who was born 11 months earlier. In the 30's Ann's father established himself as a prominent movie composer and moved his family to Southern California.
In 1946 Ann graduated from North Hollywood High School. She attended USC, where she majored in art. In 1949, she married fellow USC graduate, John Burns Macomber. They were divorced in 1953.
Runway modeling was one of Ann's first jobs. She was discovered and hired by designer DeDe Johnson, who is credited with several fashion firsts including pedal pushers and clam diggers. Ann quickly became one of DeDe's favorite models showcasing the latest styles at Robinson's famous 'Tea Room.' Ann appeared in several feature films in mostly bit parts and various television commercials earning her SEG/SAG card, while continuing her steady work as a model.
Her life changed in October of 1954 when she met game show icon Bill Cullen at her sister's home. Bill was working with Mary Lou's husband, television host Jack Narz. Ann and Bill were married in New York on December 24th, 1955. Ann appeared on several of Bill's top-rated game shows over the years.
She occasionally surprised her husband by showing up as a model on episodes of Bill's "Price Is Right" in the mid- fifties. She also appeared with Bill on many husband and wife game shows such as "Tattletales," "He Said, She Said," along with other shows including "Person to Person" with CBS newscaster, Edward R. Morrow.
Ann and Bill shared 23 wonderful years in New York City, where they had a beautiful home overlooking Central Park. Some of her fondest memories were of planning trips and travelling with Bill and friends on their 40 foot cabin cruiser. They sailed extensively up and down the Eastern Seaboard calling at ports like Nantucket, Fishers Island and Martha's Vineyard. A favorite voyage of Ann's took them up the Hudson River through the locks to St. Jean Quebec. As First Mate her many responsibilities included chef, bartender, fender and mooring line handler, you name it, she did it and enjoyed every minute.
In 1978, Ann and Bill moved from their beloved Manhattan to sunny Southern California. Their first home was in Casiano Estates at the top of Sepulveda Pass. Ann and Bill lived a magical life in California, where Bill continued to host numerous network and syndicated game shows until his death in 1990. A true love story ended with Bill's passing.
In 1998, Ann moved to Orange County, California, bringing her closer to her sister and other family. In 2004, Ann moved to her home in Corona Del Mar, overlooking Balboa Island with a wonderful view of the ocean and Catalina. Highlights of these years would include Ann's planning and hosting of the monthly poker game with a group of old pals which included her dear friend and notorious card shark actress Betty White.
Ann's interest in art, nurtured in college, grew into a lifelong passion. She furthered her studies at the Chouinard Art Institute in California then later at the Art Students League in New York. This led to a lifetime of hours in the studio where Ann produced hundreds of paintings, drawings and water colors primarily of landscapes and flowers; although she was also quite proud of her charcoal sketches stored in her 'drawer-full of naked people.'
Her passion also steered her to become a collector of fine art and sculptures. Ann's home was filled with paintings with an emphasis on the 'California Regionalist Artist.' Her collection will be donated to the Bowers Museum which will allow everyone to enjoy these impressive pieces. Ann is also bestowing a pair of Tom Van Sant bronze owl sculptures to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach which will join the artist's current Dolphin and Sandpiper wall sculptures.
Vern Monroe, a long time friend and travelling companion predceased Ann. As did her beloved Shihpoo, Pucci. Ann will be remembered for her good-natured personality and generosity. She is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Narz, nephew John Narz, niece Karen Ferretti and husband Randy, nephew David Narz and wife Debbie, along with several grand and great-grand nephews and nieces. There will be a private celebration of life.
Published in The New York Times on July 29, 2018
Heinz met his future wife and Ann's mother, Emeline Defnet, at a theatre in Milwaukee where Heinz was conducting while Emeline, on a dare, entered and won the beauty pageant. Ann had one sister, Mary Lou, who was born 11 months earlier. In the 30's Ann's father established himself as a prominent movie composer and moved his family to Southern California.
In 1946 Ann graduated from North Hollywood High School. She attended USC, where she majored in art. In 1949, she married fellow USC graduate, John Burns Macomber. They were divorced in 1953.
Runway modeling was one of Ann's first jobs. She was discovered and hired by designer DeDe Johnson, who is credited with several fashion firsts including pedal pushers and clam diggers. Ann quickly became one of DeDe's favorite models showcasing the latest styles at Robinson's famous 'Tea Room.' Ann appeared in several feature films in mostly bit parts and various television commercials earning her SEG/SAG card, while continuing her steady work as a model.
Her life changed in October of 1954 when she met game show icon Bill Cullen at her sister's home. Bill was working with Mary Lou's husband, television host Jack Narz. Ann and Bill were married in New York on December 24th, 1955. Ann appeared on several of Bill's top-rated game shows over the years.
She occasionally surprised her husband by showing up as a model on episodes of Bill's "Price Is Right" in the mid- fifties. She also appeared with Bill on many husband and wife game shows such as "Tattletales," "He Said, She Said," along with other shows including "Person to Person" with CBS newscaster, Edward R. Morrow.
Ann and Bill shared 23 wonderful years in New York City, where they had a beautiful home overlooking Central Park. Some of her fondest memories were of planning trips and travelling with Bill and friends on their 40 foot cabin cruiser. They sailed extensively up and down the Eastern Seaboard calling at ports like Nantucket, Fishers Island and Martha's Vineyard. A favorite voyage of Ann's took them up the Hudson River through the locks to St. Jean Quebec. As First Mate her many responsibilities included chef, bartender, fender and mooring line handler, you name it, she did it and enjoyed every minute.
In 1978, Ann and Bill moved from their beloved Manhattan to sunny Southern California. Their first home was in Casiano Estates at the top of Sepulveda Pass. Ann and Bill lived a magical life in California, where Bill continued to host numerous network and syndicated game shows until his death in 1990. A true love story ended with Bill's passing.
In 1998, Ann moved to Orange County, California, bringing her closer to her sister and other family. In 2004, Ann moved to her home in Corona Del Mar, overlooking Balboa Island with a wonderful view of the ocean and Catalina. Highlights of these years would include Ann's planning and hosting of the monthly poker game with a group of old pals which included her dear friend and notorious card shark actress Betty White.
Ann's interest in art, nurtured in college, grew into a lifelong passion. She furthered her studies at the Chouinard Art Institute in California then later at the Art Students League in New York. This led to a lifetime of hours in the studio where Ann produced hundreds of paintings, drawings and water colors primarily of landscapes and flowers; although she was also quite proud of her charcoal sketches stored in her 'drawer-full of naked people.'
Her passion also steered her to become a collector of fine art and sculptures. Ann's home was filled with paintings with an emphasis on the 'California Regionalist Artist.' Her collection will be donated to the Bowers Museum which will allow everyone to enjoy these impressive pieces. Ann is also bestowing a pair of Tom Van Sant bronze owl sculptures to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach which will join the artist's current Dolphin and Sandpiper wall sculptures.
Vern Monroe, a long time friend and travelling companion predceased Ann. As did her beloved Shihpoo, Pucci. Ann will be remembered for her good-natured personality and generosity. She is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Narz, nephew John Narz, niece Karen Ferretti and husband Randy, nephew David Narz and wife Debbie, along with several grand and great-grand nephews and nieces. There will be a private celebration of life.
Published in The New York Times on July 29, 2018
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