Ottilie Kruger Laybourne

OTTILIE KRUGER LAYBOURNE

a resident of Greenwich from 1962 until 1973 and an actress who appeared frequently on Broadway in the 1940s and 50s, died at the age of 78 in Bel Air, California on May 12. She was the only child of film star Otto Kruger and actress Sue MacManamy. The cause was pancreatic cancer, her family said.

At the time of her death, Ms. Laybourne was a prominent member of Nine O'Clock Players Theatre for Children, a service auxiliary of Assistance League of Southern California dedicated to bringing live theatre to underprivileged and handicapped children and their families. She had been active in the organization since the early 1970s and over the years had held several executive positions, including that of Chairman, its highest office.

Born Nov. 20, 1926 in New York City, she graduated from the Marlborough School and soon followed in her parents' footsteps to Broadway and a stage career. She made her Broadway debut on October 19, 1944 in "I Remember Mama," along with the young Marlon Brando.

Her first leading role was in "A Joy Forever" with Guy Kibbee, followed by "The Pursuit of Happiness" with Freddie Bartholomew. She also starred twice with her father, in "Little A" and "Time for Elizabeth." During her most active period she acted in 19 plays in 5 years.

Marriage to cinematographer Gayne Rescher and the birth of their three daughters halted her career. She subsequently taught and directed theatre in Greenwich, where her daughters attended school. After divorcing in 1973 and returning to Los Angeles, she was soon courted by and married the attorney Everett Laybourne.

Only a week before her death she hosted a Nine O'Clock Players Luncheon at Los Angeles's California Club called "Thanks for the Memories." Screened at the event was a 26-minute film retrospective of her more than 30 years with the organization, during which time she had trained hundreds of women for the stage, written, directed and appeared in dozens of plays and held 15 chairman offices, including Chairman from 1992-1994.

Ms. Laybourne received the Eve Award in 2001. Given by the Mannequins Auxiliary of Assistance League of Southern California, the award honors outstanding philanthropic women of distinction who epitomize the unique elegance of Los Angeles.

She is survived by her husband of thirty years, Everett Laybourne, her daughters and sons-in-law Gaye Kruger-Ribble and David Ribble, Deedee Rescher Ball and George Ball, and Debbie Jean Miller and Scott Miller, as well as 2 grandchildren, 6 bonus grandchildren and 5 bonus great-grandchildren.