United Kingdom, April 1 -- Sian Barbara Allen has died aged 78.

Best known for her roles in 1970s television shows including 'The Waltons', 'Gunsmoke', 'The F.B.I.' and 'Love, American Style', she passed away peacefully after a lengthy period of ill health, her family announced on Tuesday. (01.04.25)

Her sibling said in a Facebook post confirming her death: "My wonderful sister, actress Sian Barbara Allen died peacefully today after a long illness. This loss is too hard."

Sian died from Alzheimer's disease on Monday in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, according to an online obituary.

Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on 12 July 1946, she studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse from 1964. She made her television debut in 1971 in 'Alias Smith...