Erin Fleming

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Erin Fleming (August 13, 1941–April 15, 2003) was a minor actress who was best known as the companion and care-giver to Groucho Marx in his final years.

Fleming appeared in minor roles in five films from 1965 through 1976, during which time she became acquainted with Groucho Marx and moved into his house. Her influence on Groucho was controversial; many close to Groucho admitted that she did a lot of work on his behalf to revive his popularity and have him awarded an honorary Academy Award during his lifetime, but others, including Groucho's son, Arthur Marx, described her in Svengali-esque terms. In the years leading up to Groucho's death in 1977, Groucho's heirs filed several lawsuits against her. One allegation leveled against Fleming was that she was determined to sell Groucho's favorite car, a Cadillac, against his wishes. When Groucho protested, it was said, Fleming threatened, "I will slap you from here to Pittsburgh."

The court battles dragged into the early 80s, but judgements were eventually reached in favor of Arthur Marx, ordering Fleming to repay $472,000 to the Marx estate.

Fleming's mental health deteriorated in the 1990s. She was arrested once in the Los Angeles area on a weapons charge, and spent much of the decade in and out of commitments to various psychiatric facilities.

She committed suicide in 2003.

Erin was born Marilyn Fleming in Canada, the daughter of Patrick D. and Neville Fleming. Her father was a U.S. Navy fighter ace and test pilot who transferred to the U.S. Air Force in 1947 and died in the first Boeing B-52 crash in 1956.

[edit] Sources

Stefan Kanfer, Groucho: The Life and Times of Julius Henry Marx, 2000
Miriam Marx Allen, Love, Groucho: Letters from Groucho Marx to his Daughter Miriam, 1992
Arthur Marx, My Life with Groucho, revised 1992.
Steve Stoliar, Raised Eyebrows: My Years Inside Groucho's House, 1996