Actress Monica Lewis, who sang in Chiquita Banana cartoons, has died aged 93

By Associated Press

Published: 16:12 EST, 12 June 2015 | Updated: 19:08 EST, 12 June 2015

Actress, singer, and voice of the Chiquita Banana cartoon character Monica Lewis has died at the age of 93.

Her former manager, Alan Eichler, says Lewis died Friday of natural causes at her home in Woodland Hills, California.

Lewis started her career as a vocalist with Benny Goodman's orchestra and went onto record several jazz hits in the 1940s. 

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Death: Monica Lewis (left) - who appeared with Ronald Reagan in the undated photo above - died on Friday at the age of 93 (Credit: Monica Lang Archive via AP)

Death: Monica Lewis (left) - who appeared with Ronald Reagan in the undated photo above - died on Friday at the age of 93 (Credit: Monica Lang Archive via AP)

In 1950, she hit Hollywood, signing an exclusive contract for music and movies with MGM. 

Her film credits include 1951's The Strip with Mickey Rooney and Excuse My Dust with Red Skelton.

Lewis was also a popular pitchwoman, appearing in ad campaigns for Camel cigarettes, General Electric and Burlington Mills' hosiery. 

Singer: Originally a jazz vocalist in the 1940s, Monica arrived in Hollywood early in the 1950s

Singer: Originally a jazz vocalist in the 1940s, Monica arrived in Hollywood early in the 1950s

For 14 years, she voiced the Chiquita Banana cartoon character, who reminded Americans not to put bananas in the refrigerator.

She married production executive Jennings Lang in 1956 and the couple raised three sons together.

Lewis made appearances in many of her husband's films, including Earthquake with Charlton Heston and Ava Gardner and Charley Varrick with Walter Matthau.

Bananas: The actress (above in 1952) branched out from movies and television to provide voiceover work for advertising campaigns, most notably Chiquita Banana

Bananas: The actress (above in 1952) branched out from movies and television to provide voiceover work for advertising campaigns, most notably Chiquita Banana

The actress also guest-starred on various TV shows, including Marcus Welby, M.D., Remington Steele, Ironside, and Falcon Crest. 

She resumed her singing career in 1985 and recorded several new albums.

Lewis is survived by her two sons and three grandchildren.

Working actress: Although rarely the biggest name in a movie, Monica (above in 1957) worked with Charlton Heston, Walter Matthau, Mickey Rooney, and more

Working actress: Although rarely the biggest name in a movie, Monica (above in 1957) worked with Charlton Heston, Walter Matthau, Mickey Rooney, and more

Long career: Monica (above on May 6) appeared in many movies and television shows from the 1950s through the 1980s (Credit: Alan Eichler/Monica Lang Archive via AP)

Long career: Monica (above on May 6) appeared in many movies and television shows from the 1950s through the 1980s (Credit: Alan Eichler/Monica Lang Archive via AP)

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