If you grew up watching MASH* or spent your Saturday nights following the medical mysteries of Quincy, M.E., you definitely know her face. Or maybe just her voice. Lynette Mettey was everywhere in the '70s and '80s. She was the dependable Nurse Able at the 4077th and the woman who finally seemed to ground Jack Klugman’s Quincy as his long-term girlfriend, Lee Potter.
But as the years roll by, fans naturally start wondering about the stars who filled their living rooms decades ago. Specifically, is Lynette Mettey still alive?
The short answer is yes. As of early 2026, there have been no public reports or official announcements regarding her passing. She is alive, though she has stepped back from the Hollywood limelight to live a much quieter, more private life than she did during her peak television years.
Where is Lynette Mettey today?
Honestly, she’s become a bit of a mystery, which is funny considering she spent years on a detective show. Born in 1943, Mettey is now in her early 80s. While some actors transition into "elder statesman" roles or do the convention circuit, she mostly stopped appearing in front of the camera in the mid-1990s.
Her last major on-screen credits date back to the '90s, with voice work carrying her a bit further. She didn't just disappear, though. She pivoted.
You might not realize it, but even after she stopped appearing on Quincy or guest-starring on The Golden Girls, she was still in your house. For nearly 40 years, she was the "hidden" face of S. C. Johnson & Son. She did the voiceovers for countless products. Think Glade, Pledge, and Windex. You heard her voice every single day without even knowing it was Nurse Able telling you how to get your windows streak-free.
The career that made her a household name
Mettey wasn't just a one-hit wonder. She was a working actress in the truest sense of the word. She graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1962 and hit the ground running.
The MAS*H Years
In the early seasons of MASH*, she played Lieutenant Nancy Able (and sometimes just "Nurse Able"). She was one of the few recurring nurses who actually had a personality and a name. She had a great rapport with Alan Alda and Wayne Rogers, often playing the "straight man" to their Hawkeye and Trapper John antics.
Quincy’s Better Half
When she landed the role of Lee Potter on Quincy, M.E., it was a big deal. Quincy was a notoriously difficult character—stubborn, work-obsessed, and prone to shouting. Mettey brought a warmth to the show that balanced him out. Fans loved her because she didn't take any of his nonsense, but she clearly cared for him.
Why people think she might have passed away
The internet is a weird place. When an actor stops doing interviews or appearing at red carpets, the "death hoaxes" or "where are they now" rumors start flying. Because Mettey is so private, people often confuse her with other actresses of her era who have passed.
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Also, her name is occasionally spelled differently in credits—sometimes Lynette, sometimes Lynnette. This split in her digital footprint makes it harder for casual fans to track down current info.
Beyond the screen, she’s also an artist. There are records of her involvement in the art world, specifically painting, in the United States. She’s lived a full life outside of the Hollywood bubble, focusing on creative outlets that don't involve a script or a film crew.
Understanding her legacy in 2026
It’s easy to dismiss TV actors from the '70s as "retro," but Mettey was a pioneer of the "ubiquitous guest star." Look at her IMDb and you’ll see Columbo, The Six Million Dollar Man, Hawaii Five-O, and All in the Family. She was a staple of the Golden Age of television.
She also broke ground in the voiceover industry. Long before it was trendy for A-list celebrities to voice commercials, she was building a four-decade career as a brand spokesperson. That kind of longevity is almost unheard of in the industry.
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Staying connected with her work
If you're looking to revisit her best moments, here is the best way to do it:
- Streaming Services: MASH* is almost always available on platforms like Hulu or Disney+. Look for the first few seasons to catch her scenes.
- DVD/Blu-ray: Quincy, M.E. has seen various physical media releases. Her seasons are often cited by fans as some of the show's best because of the character development she brought to the table.
- Animation: Don't forget her voice work. She appeared in Batman: The Animated Series, which is widely considered one of the best cartoons ever made.
If you want to keep up with news about stars from her era, the best bet is to follow official SAG-AFTRA updates or reputable "classic TV" news sites. Avoid the "celebrity death" clickbait sites that often pop up in search results—they rarely have verified information.
Lynette Mettey remains a beloved figure for those who remember the 4077th. She’s alive, she’s private, and she’s left behind a body of work that still holds up decades later.