Growing up I don't think I ever thought of anybody in pop culture as being my idol, but in watching certain shows as an adult I can see how certain actresses impacted me.
As eye-roll inducing as I suspect this might be, Florence Henderson as Carol Brady most likely had the greatest impact on me growing up and I see some of her mothering style in my own. She was the mother everyone wanted and she was just a really good, positive person.
I learned a long time ago never to put anyone famous on a pedestal. All you end up doing five minutes later is discovering something wrong with them, something you can't stand, and they get knocked off. Historical figures are to be admired, but never idolized, otherwise you end up knocking them off the pedestal too.