A hearing-impaired performer for many years until four operations restored it, she has been known and won awards for her many humanitarian efforts in this field as well as others, serving on several committees that fight for the rights of the disabled or handicapped, and becoming a prime force in bringing sign language and captioning to TV.
Aunt of actress Shelley Fabares.
Honorary member of Delta Zeta sorority, Xi Omnicron chapter.
Once had surgery to enlarge - not reduce - the size of her nose.
Received the Women's International Center (WIC) Living Legacy Award in 1993.
Recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award.
References stating that she appeared in the "Our Gang" comedy shorts as a child are highly exaggerated. Nanette was an extra once among dozens of other children in one episode.
Seriously injured by a runaway elephant during the filming of Harper Valley P.T.A. (1978).
Turned down the chance to be the original voice of "Wilma Flintstone" on "The Flintstones" (1960) in order to accept Irving Berlin's offer to star in his show "Mr. President". "Mr. President" was Berlin's last completed show and only real flop, opening to such negative reviews that even Berlin's family didn't dare tell him, leaving him to read about it in the next day's papers. "The Flintstones" (1960) , of course, have become American pop-cultural icons.
Won Broadway's 1949 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for "Love Life." Was also nominated in the same category in 1963 for "Mr. President."