Christine White Dies: 'Twilight Zone' Actress was 86

"The Twilight Zone" episode, "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" is one of the series' most famous. Still drawing attention on television today, the episode is still parodied on shows such as "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons."

The episode featured actress Christine White, who portrayed the wife of a man played by William Shatner. Mr. Wilson was released from a mental institution, only to have a mental breakdown on an airplane heading in to the "Twilight Zone." Based on a short story by Richard Matheson,"Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" shows White sleeping under the influence of sedatives, while Shatner sees Gremlins out the window of the airplane.

White died April 14 in a Washington D.C. nursing home at age 86, but confirmation wasn't reported until May 11 in The Carroll County Times in Maryland, according to The New York Times. Her surviving family members include mostly nieces and nephews.

Wilson's acting career, predominantly making marks in the 1970's, included roles on "Bonanza," "The Untouchables," "Father Knows Best" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." As a 1947 graduate of the University of North Carolina, she headed to New York City in the 50s to focus on acting.

White also lived in Los Angeles where she befriended celebrities including James Dean, Loretta Young and June Havoc, according to The Carroll County Times tribute. She returned to the D.C. area to help care for her mother.

Jeanne Cooper of "Young and the Restless" fame, was also a "Twilight Zone" actress. She died earlier this month at age 84.

The Twilight Zone series created by Rod Serling ran for five seasons on CBS from 1959 to 1964. The anthology was based on science fiction and can still be viewed today in reruns via sources such as NetFlix. Remakes and DVD releases have also revitalized the classic series.