June Allyson Relishes Role

June Allyson, fabulous movie star of the 1940s and ‘50s, was best known for her husky voice and weepy eyes. She’s played the good but sexy wife opposite Jimmy Stewart, Van Johnson and her real-life husband, the late Dick Powell. She’s been on numerous television shows.

And for the last 13 years, she’s been the spokeswoman for Depends, a diaper-like product for adults. These days, incontinence--the loss of bladder control--has become her banner. It’s a banner she proudly waves in honor of her mother, who was incontinent for several years before her death.

“Kids on the street say, ‘Hey, Mom, there goes the Depends lady.’ At first it embarrassed me, but I’m so proud to be part of something that helps so many people,” Allyson said in a recent telephone interview.

It may seem odd that one so glamorous has taken on such an unglamorous cause, but Allyson is, at 80, aggressively fighting to publicize incontinence.

“I was thinking about this the other day. It’s not an attractive subject, but do you think AIDS is an attractive subject?” she said.

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Few are willing to discuss the loss of bladder control. Even most people with incontinence won’t talk about it. (It’s estimated that less than 40% with the problem report it to a doctor.)

Dr. Linda Brubaker, a Chicago urogynecologist and executive committee member of the American Urogynecologic Society, said, “It’s a stigmatized disease; it’s not socially OK.”

An estimated 15 million to 19 million Americans suffer loss of bladder control, either short-term from infections or medications, or long-term from childbirth, surgery or illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Incontinence affects old and young.

Allyson understands the shame. Her mother, Clara, suffered in silence for a long time before her death in 1995.

“I was totally unaware of it,” Allyson said. Her mother had stopped coming to family gatherings and withdrew from celebrations. She became active again after Allyson urged her to use adult diapers.

Her mother, in turn, urged Allyson to take the Kimberly-Clark job. “She said, ‘The world and people have been wonderful to you, and I think it’s time that you gave back a little something.’ ”

The little something has turned into an almost massive dialogue between Allyson and people with incontinence. “I think I get more letters about this than when I was a movie star,” she said.

Brubaker said Allyson’s presence has been priceless to those with incontinence. “This is a huge problem,” she said.

It’s also one that is as misunderstood as it is widespread. People think it’s a normal part of having kids or aging. But, said Brubaker, “Three-quarters of patients over 85 have normal bladder control.”

Another myth is that surgery is the only cure for incontinence. Timed voiding, dietary changes, electrical stimulation and medications all have value as treatments.

Incontinence is curable, but the first step is seeking medical help.

“If you can’t call your doctor, call me. I’ll call your doctor,” Allyson said.

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At least 80% of sufferers are women, but Allyson also hears from men who are grateful she has taken on this cause.

She is involved in raising money for education and research through the June Allyson Foundation, which is funded by the American Urogynecologic Society and Kimberly-Clark.

Allyson is also a member of the Federal Council on Aging, appointed by longtime Hollywood friend Ronald Reagan, and works as an advocate for senior issues.

Now married to actor and retired dentist David Ashrow and living in Ojai, the mother of two and grandmother is in no mood to slow down.

“I haven’t got the time. Besides, I enjoy this so much.”