Jean Vander Pyl played the wifely role opposite Robert Young on the "Father Knows Best" radio program in 1949. However, both Young and Eugene B. Rodney, Young's partner in ownership and production of the series, wanted Wyatt to play the role when it went to television.
In Lost Horizon (1937), she worked for director Frank Capra. In Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), the first assistant director was Frank Capra III.
Jane Wyatt is a devout Catholic, whose late husband died on the day before what would have been their 65th wedding anniversary.
Joined Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall and other Hollywood stars on a flight to Washington in 1947 to protest the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings.
Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors Branch).
Received a special tribute as part of the Annual Memorial tribute at The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007) (TV).
Received the Women's International Center (WIC) Living Legacy Award in 1986.
She was directly descended, on her mother's side, from the van Renssalaer family, one of the earliest Dutch families to settle in the Colonies, as early as 1638, and which at one time owned most of what is now New York City. Renssalaer County in upstate New York is named after them. From the same line, she was also a great-great-great-great-granddaughter of Philip Livingston, signer of the Declaration of Independance.
Sons Christopher, who has three children, and Michael, who is six years younger and a pianist.
Today, those who fondly recall her in the archetypal 1950s family sitcom "Father Knows Best" (1954) may be surprised to learn that when the series debuted in 1954, the show did so poorly in the ratings that CBS canceled it in March 1955. A flood of protests came from viewers insisting that the show be reinstated. The show was moved to an earlier time, and it gradually became a hit.
Was an invaluable member of the March of Dimes charitable organization since 1943. Donations were directed toward the March of Dimes at the time of her death.
Won three consecutive Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Margaret Anderson on "Father Knows Best" (1954).