Peg Phillips

Charming character actor who, after spending a career as an accountant and raising four children as a single mother, retired at age 65 and returned to school at the University of Washington to study acting. Previously experienced in community theater, Phillips secured herself an agent and very soon thereafter appeared in the TV-movie "Chase" (1985). She acted in several other projects including the feature film "Waiting for the Light" (1990) and received her big break when cast for a one-time appearance on the series premiere of the Alaska-set CBS comedy-drama "Northern Exposure" that same year. Phillips was subsequently hired to reprise her role as crusty, no-nonsense but sensible and compassionate store owner Ruth-Anne in a recurring slot, and her likably weathered features and relaxed warmth soon proved to be such an indelible part of the ensemble that she was made a series regular.