LORENE YARNEL 1944-2010

Lorene Yarnell (Jansson,) who, with Robert Shields, formed the mime-and-dance comedy team Shields and Yarnell, a familiar presence on television in the 1970s... died on July 29, 2010 after suffering a brain aneurysm at her home in Sandefjord, Norway.

Lorene was born in Inglewood, Calif., on March 21, 1944. As a child, she was a trained dancer and successful variety artist. In 1972, she met mime Robert Shields and formed Shields & Yarnell, a very successful mime act that went from San Francisco street corners to stages all over the world. 

Robert and Lorene also starred in their own variety show, called -  “Shields and Yarnell,” which broadcast on CBS in 1977 and 1978. 

Some of  Lorene’s other credits include, the robot Dot Matrix (with a voice supplied by Joan Rivers) in “Spaceballs," the Mel Brooks’ 1987 film comedy. Also as Formicida, aka Dr. Irene Janis on the 70's television adaptation of "Wonder Woman" starring Lynda Carter.

Mr. Shields and Ms. Yarnell divorced in the mid-1980s, but still continued to appear together on stage, television and film.

"I miss her amazing spirit, and magic. Such a beautiful soul." - Robert Shields

She is survived by Bjorn Jansson, her fourth husband, and her brother, Richard Yarnell. Another brother, Bruce Yarnell, a Broadway veteran, died in a 1973 plane crash.