Mina E. Kolb (born June 7, 1926) is an American actress, known for her work on television, film and improvisational theater. She was a founding member of The Second City Comedy troupe and has appeared in numerous television series and films over several decades.
Early life and career Born in Wilmette, Illinois to Joseph Kolb and Evelyn McCarthy,Fink, John (August 2, 1958). "MADCAP MIMIC: Mina Kolb, Ray Rayner's Sidekick, Specializes in Platter Pantomimes". Chicago Tribune TV Weekend. p. 3. Retrieved June 18, 2025. "Born in Wilmette, Mina took up dramatics at Mundelein college, then switched to an education course at Loyola university. [...] Mina was married a year ago to Bill McMurray Jr., salesman for a publishing house. They have a home in Northbrook." Kolb was raised in a large Catholic family with six siblings. She attended New Trier High School, Mundelein College, and Loyola University.Carroll, Bill; ed. (1942)"Sophomore Girls (Cont'd)". 1942 New Trier High School Yearbook. Retrieved June 18, 2025. p. 95. "Kolb, Mina E."
Kolb began her entertainment career co-hosting the local Chicago television show Rayner Shine, where she and co-host Ray Rayner lip-synced to records while teenagers danced.
In 1959, she joined the original ensemble of The Second City in Chicago alongside performers such as Howard Alk, Roger Bowen, Severn Darden, Andrew Duncan, Barbara Harris and Eugene Troobnick. In 1961, Kolb moved to Los Angeles to appear on the CBS sitcom Pete and Gladys, portraying the character Peggy Briggs. Throughout her career, Kolb appeared in various television series including Three's Company as Mrs. Alden, Curb Your Enthusiasm as Jeff Greene's mother, Santa Barbara as Mrs. Batterfield, Generations as Aunt Mary and Ellen when she played the role of a nurse. Her films credits includes: The Hollywood Knights (2008), A Mighty Wind (2003) and I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With (2006).
She also performed on stage, notably in the Broadway productionsMina Kolb playbill performer of From The Second City (1968) and in Something Different. In recognition of her contributions to improvisational theater, Kolb received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chicago Improv Festival in 2004.
Personal life Kolb married advertising executive William McMurray Jr in 1957."Round the Wax Circle". Cash Box. May 4, 1957. p. 20. Retrieved June 18, 2025. "Deejay Ray Rayner’s pert right arm, Mina Kolb, said 'Yes' to ad exec William McMurray last week. Says Rayner, 'I'm not losing a gal Friday. I’m just gaining a new agency.'"
Filmography +Movies and TV ShowsYearTitleRoleNote2006I Want Someone to Eat Cheese WithMrs. Aaron2005Hopeless PicturesHopevoice2003A Mighty WindDr. Mildred Wickes2000–2002Curb Your EnthusiasmJeff Greene's mother5 episodes1999Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza PlaceFlower Seller1 episode1997–1998George & LeoFrieda3 episodes1997The Jeff Foxworthy ShowClara Kopell1 episode1996High Incident1 episode1996The Secret World of Alex MackAbigail Hoffman1 episode1996SistersBetty Pryor1 episode1996EllenNurse1 episode1995Not Like UsMrs. AndersonTV Movie1995Bye Bye LoveDorothy1993Love & WarMarion1 episode1991P.S.I. Luv UMrs. DiPaggio1 episode1991Dangerous WomanLil11 episodes1991Life Goes OnDotty1 episode1991David RulesMrs. Higgins1 episode1989–1991GenerationsMary Gardner46 episodes19901st & TenHousewife1 episode1990Parker Lewis Can't LoseAunt Celia1 episode1990ThirtysomethingFlorence1 episode1989Wedding BandNeighborhood Lady1989She's Out of ControlMrs. Pearson1989Knots Landing Neighborhood1 episode1988Santa BarbaraMrs. Batterfield1 episode1988It's Garry Shandling's ShowRose Wachs1 episode1983–1987Scarecrow and Mrs. KingEmma Stadish2 episodes1986The Twilight ZoneMrs. Taylor1 episode1986Tall Tales & LegendsWidow Bleacher1 episode1985BensonSuzie1 episode1984Young LustBeatrice Hoving1984Back TogetherMrs. BurkeTV Movie1981–1983Three's CompanyMrs. Alden3 episodes1983The JeffersonsMrs. Colby1 episode1983Mama's FamilyThe Clerk1 episode1980HealtHIris Bell1980The Hollywood KnightsDudley's mother1972Every Little Crook and NannyIda1970LovingDiane1968What's So Bad About Feeling Good?Woman in PadUncredited1961–1962Pete and GladysPeggy Briggs6 episodes1952Skirts Ahoy!Wave C.P.O.Uncredited
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