American movie stars born in 1917
Here are 50 famous actresses from United States of America were born in 1917:
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 Newport News-June 15, 1996 Beverly Hills) also known as Ella Fitzgerard, Ella Jane Fitzgerald, Queen of Jazz, Lady Ella, First Lady of Song, The First Lady of Jazz or The First Lady of Swing was an American singer and actor. She had one child, Ray Brown, Jr..
Ella Fitzgerald is widely regarded as one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. Her career spanned over six decades, during which she recorded more than 200 albums and won 13 Grammy Awards. Fitzgerald began her career as a teenager and quickly gained popularity for her clear and powerful voice, impressive range, and impeccable phrasing. In the 1950s, she collaborated with jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and in the 1960s she recorded a series of popular songbook albums, including ones devoted to the music of Cole Porter and George Gershwin. Throughout her career, Fitzgerald was admired by audiences and fellow musicians alike for her technical skill, warmth, and versatility. After her death, she was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Alice Pearce
Alice Pearce (October 16, 1917 New York City-March 3, 1966 Hollywood) also known as Alicia Pearce or Alicia “Alice” Pearce was an American singer and actor.
Pearce began her career in entertainment as a singer and appeared in several musical stage productions. She later transitioned to television and film, where she is best known for her role as Gladys Kravitz on the hit sitcom "Bewitched" from 1964 until her death in 1966. Pearce was awarded the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series posthumously for her role in "Bewitched". Pearce tragically passed away at the age of 48 due to ovarian cancer.
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Celeste Holm
Celeste Holm (April 29, 1917 Brooklyn-July 15, 2012 Manhattan) was an American actor. Her children are called Ted Nelson and Daniel Dunning.
Celeste Holm began her career on Broadway in the 1930s, appearing in several plays before making her film debut in "Three Little Girls in Blue" (1946). She went on to star in several classic movies such as "Gentleman's Agreement" (1947), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, "All About Eve" (1950), and "High Society" (1956).
Aside from her acting career, Holm was also involved in philanthropic work and was a member of numerous civic and cultural organizations. She was an advocate for both the arts and animal welfare, serving as a board member for organizations such as The Actors' Fund and The Humane Society of the United States.
Celebrated for her warmth, wit, and charm, Celeste Holm was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and remained active in film, theatre, and television until her passing in 2012 at the age of 95.
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Helen Forrest
Helen Forrest (April 12, 1917 Atlantic City-July 11, 1999 Los Angeles) also known as Helen Forest, Helen Fogel, Forrest, Helen or Helen Forrest (w. Artie Shaw & His Orchestra) was an American singer and actor.
Forrest rose to fame in the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s, working with big bands such as Benny Goodman and Harry James. She was particularly known for her smooth and sultry vocals, which were showcased on hits like "I Had The Craziest Dream" and "I Don't Want To Walk Without You". In addition to singing, Forrest also acted in several films, including the musicals "Two Girls and a Sailor" and "Broadway Rhythm". After a brief hiatus from the music industry in the 1950s, she returned to performing in the 1960s and continued to tour and record into the 1990s. Forrest is remembered as one of the greatest vocalists of the swing era and a trailblazer for women in jazz.
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Janet Collins
Janet Collins (March 7, 1917 New Orleans-May 28, 2003 Fort Worth) was an American ballet dancer, dancer, choreographer, dance teacher and actor.
She was the first African American ballerina to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1951. Collins faced racial barriers in the dance world during her career, but she persevered and paved the way for other dancers of color. She trained at the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and performed with the Katherine Dunham Company before joining the Met. Collins also appeared in films and television shows, including the movie "Carmen Jones" and the TV series "I Spy." Later in her career, she focused on teaching and choreography, founding the Janet Collins Fellowship for Independent Study to support young dancers. Collins received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the arts, including the National Medal of Arts in 1999.
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Jo Stafford
Jo Stafford (November 12, 1917 Coalinga-July 16, 2008 Century City) also known as Jo Staffard, Jo Elizabeth Stafford or Stafford, Jo was an American singer and actor.
Stafford started her career as a teenager singing with big bands in the 1930s, including the orchestras of Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman. She later became a solo artist and had several hit songs, including "You Belong to Me" and "Make Love to Me".
During World War II, Stafford recorded with the USO and became known as "GI Jo". She also had a successful radio career, hosting her own show and appearing on other programs.
After leaving the music industry in the 1960s, Stafford became a voice actor, lending her talents to cartoons and commercials. She won a Grammy Award in 1961 for her album "Jonathan and Darlene Edwards in Paris", which was a comedic spoof of popular songs.
Throughout her career, Stafford was known for her warm and velvety voice, as well as her versatility and ability to sing multiple genres of music. She was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999.
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Lena Horne
Lena Horne (June 30, 1917 Bedford-Stuyvesant-May 9, 2010 Manhattan) a.k.a. Lena Horn, Horne Lena, Lene Horne, Lena Mary Calhoun Horne, Horne, Lena or Lena Calhoun Horne was an American singer, actor, musician, pin-up girl, dancer and civil rights activist. She had two children, Gail Buckley and Terry Jones.
Lena Horne began her career in 1933 as a chorus girl at the Cotton Club in Harlem. She gained fame as a performer with her smooth and sultry voice, and her beauty made her a popular pin-up girl for the US army during World War II. Horne was also an accomplished actor, starring in films such as "Cabin in the Sky" (1943) and "Stormy Weather" (1943).
Throughout her life, Lena Horne was an important advocate for civil rights. She spoke out against racial discrimination in Hollywood, and she was blacklisted by the entertainment industry during the McCarthy era for her political beliefs. Despite this, Horne continued to perform and protest for equality, and she marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1963 March on Washington. Horne received numerous awards throughout her career, including a Kennedy Center Honor in 1984 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990. She passed away in 2010 at the age of 92.
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Maya Deren
Maya Deren (April 29, 1917 Kiev-October 13, 1961 Manhattan) also known as Eleanora Derenkowsky, Eleanora Derenkowskaia, Eleanora Derenkovskaya, Элеоно́ра Деренко́вская or Eleanora Solomonovna Derenkovsky was an American film director, artist, screenwriter, cinematographer, actor, author, choreographer, poet, writer, photographer, dancer, teacher and visual artist.
She is best known for her avant-garde films, which often explored themes of spirituality and the human experience. Deren's most well-known film, "Meshes of the Afternoon," is a surreal and dreamlike exploration of the subconscious mind. Deren was also a prominent figure in the New York avant-garde art scene in the 1940s and 50s, and was heavily involved in the development of experimental dance. In addition to her creative work, Deren was a prolific writer and teacher, and her writings on film theory are still studied today. Her groundbreaking work has had a major influence on the development of experimental film and art.
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Vera Zorina
Vera Zorina (January 2, 1917 Berlin-April 9, 2003 Santa Fe) a.k.a. Eva Brigitta Hartwig was an American ballet dancer, choreographer and actor. She had two children, Peter Lieberson and Jonathan Lieberson.
Zorina began her career as a ballet dancer in Germany before launching an international career that would include performances with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo and the Ballet Theatre in New York City. She also appeared in several Hollywood films, including the 1941 musical, "The Goldwyn Follies". As a choreographer, Zorina created works for the New York City Ballet and the Royal Danish Ballet. In her later years, she taught ballet and established the Vera Zorina Foundation to support dance education. Zorina was married to composer George Balanchine from 1938 to 1946.
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Adele Jergens
Adele Jergens (November 26, 1917 Brooklyn-November 22, 2002 Camarillo) also known as Adele Jurgens or Adele Louisa Jurgens was an American actor, model and dancer. She had one child, Tracy Langan.
Jergens began her career as a model and later transitioned into acting. She appeared in numerous films, including "The Dark Past" (1948), "Lady in the Lake" (1947), and "Girls in Prison" (1956). In addition to her film work, Jergens also acted in several television programs such as "The Lone Ranger" (1949), "The Abbott and Costello Show" (1952), and "77 Sunset Strip" (1958).
Jergens was also known for her singing and dancing abilities. She frequently performed in nightclubs and cabarets throughout the 1940s and 1950s, and was often featured in promotional materials as a "cheesecake" model.
Throughout her career, Jergens remained active in charitable causes and was involved in organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the United Service Organizations (USO).
Jergens passed away in 2002 at the age of 84.
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Ann Richards
Ann Richards (December 13, 1917 Sydney-August 25, 2006 Torrance) also known as Shirley Ann Richards was an American actor and poet. Her children are called Christopher Angelo, Juliet Angelo and Mark Angelo.
Ann Richards had a prolific acting career, appearing in over 50 films during the Golden Age of Hollywood, including "Jezebel" (1938), "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939), and "The Awful Truth" (1937). She also appeared on Broadway, often performing in musicals.
In later years, Richards shifted her focus to poetry and published several books of poetry, including "The Divided Heart" and "Toward Aquarius." She was known for her passionate and introspective writing style.
Richards was also a devoted mother and grandmother, often incorporating her family experiences into her poetry. She passed away in 2006 at the age of 88 in her home in Torrance.
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Ann Rutherford
Ann Rutherford (November 2, 1917 Vancouver-June 11, 2012 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. Therese Ann Rutherford was an American actor. She had one child, Gloria May.
Rutherford is best known for her role as Careen O'Hara, the sister of Scarlett O'Hara, in the classic film "Gone with the Wind". She also appeared in over 60 films throughout her career, including "Pride and Prejudice" and the "Andy Hardy" film series. Aside from her work in film, Rutherford also appeared on television, most notably in the 1950s sitcom "The Bob Cummings Show". She was an active participant in many charitable organizations throughout her life and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Rutherford remained active in the entertainment industry until her death at the age of 94.
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Audrey Totter
Audrey Totter (December 20, 1917 Joliet-December 12, 2013 Woodland Hills) also known as Audrey Mary Totter, Marie Audrey Totter, Audrey Totter Mary or Audra Mary Totter was an American actor.
She was born in Joliet, Illinois and raised in Los Angeles, California. Totter began her career as a radio actress in the 1940s before making her film debut in "Main Street After Dark" (1945). She went on to star in several film noir classics, including "Lady in the Lake" (1947), "The Set-Up" (1949), and "Alias Nick Beal" (1949).
Totter also had a successful career on television, appearing in numerous shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Medical Center," "Bonanza," and "The Love Boat," among others. She retired from acting in the 1980s after a career that spanned over four decades.
In addition to her work on screen, Totter was also an accomplished painter and writer. She published a memoir, "Woman of a Thousand Faces," in 2006. She passed away in 2013 at the age of 95.
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Brenda Joyce
Brenda Joyce (February 25, 1917 Excelsior Springs-July 4, 2009 Santa Monica) also known as Betty Leabo, Betty Graffina Leabo or Graftina was an American actor. She had three children, Pamela Ann Ward, Timothy Owen Ward and Beth Victoria Ward.
Brenda Joyce began her acting career in the 1940s, appearing in several films before landing her most famous role as Jane in the popular Tarzan series, replacing actress Maureen O'Sullivan. She starred opposite Johnny Weissmuller in five Tarzan films, from 1946 to 1949, and became known for her chemistry with Weissmuller.
After her time as Jane, Joyce continued to act in films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She also made appearances on game shows and worked as a model.
In addition to acting, Joyce was also an advocate for animal rights and worked with several organizations, including the American Humane Association. She remained active in her community and was involved with local theater productions until her death at the age of 92 in 2009.
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Elyse Knox
Elyse Knox (December 14, 1917 Hartford-February 16, 2012 Los Angeles) also known as Elsie Kornbrath or Elsie Lillian Kornbrath was an American actor, model and fashion designer. She had three children, Kristin Nelson, Mark Harmon and Kelly Harmon.
Knox started off her career as a fashion model and won the Miss American Junior Pageant in 1933. She then began acting in films and made her debut in the 1937 film "Personal Property." Over the next decade, she appeared in numerous films such as "The Mummy's Tomb" (1942), "The Last of the Mohicans" (1941) and "The Philadelphia Story" (1940). In addition to her acting career, Knox was also a skilled dress designer and created clothing for Hollywood celebrities, including Rita Hayworth and Ann Miller. Later in life, she became active in philanthropy and worked to raise funds for the Motion Picture and Television Fund.
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Faye Emerson
Faye Emerson (July 8, 1917 Elizabeth-March 9, 1983 Deià) otherwise known as Faye Margaret Emerson, faye_emerson or The First Lady of Television was an American actor. She had one child, William Crawford Jr..
Faye Emerson started her career as a model and was crowned Miss New York in 1939, which opened doors for her in the entertainment industry. She then worked as a radio commentator, and went on to host her own television talk show, The Faye Emerson Show, which ran from 1949 to 1951.
She also appeared in numerous films, such as A Face in the Crowd (1957) and The Seventh Victim (1943), and was renowned for her on-screen charisma and elegance. Off-screen, Emerson was known to have had several high-profile affairs, including with President Franklin D. Roosevelt and author Graham Greene.
Emerson retired from show business in the late 1950s and moved to Spain with her husband, writer and film director, Stanley Logan. She lived out the rest of her life in solitude and passed away in Deià, Spain, in 1983 at the age of 65. Despite a storied career in show business, Emerson always maintained that her greatest accomplishment was being a mother.
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Jane Wyman
Jane Wyman (January 5, 1917 Saint Joseph-September 10, 2007 Rancho Mirage) a.k.a. Sarah Jane Fulks, Sarah Jane Mayfield, Miss Jane Wyman, Jane Durrell, Jane Fulks, Button Nose, Minnie Mouse or Janie was an American actor, singer, dancer and switchboard operator. She had three children, Michael Reagan, Maureen Reagan and Christine Reagan.
Wyman began her career as a radio singer and then moved on to film, where she appeared in many notable movies such as "The Lost Weekend", "Magnificent Obsession", and "All That Heaven Allows". She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Johnny Belinda" in 1948.
In addition to her successful film career, Wyman also had a prominent television career, starring in the popular series "Falcon Crest" in the 1980s. Outside of her acting career, she was a noted philanthropist and humanitarian, serving as a board member for organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
Wyman was married and divorced five times, including to actor Ronald Reagan from 1940 to 1949. She passed away in 2007 at the age of 90.
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Joan Fontaine
Joan Fontaine (October 22, 1917 Tokyo-December 15, 2013 Carmel-by-the-Sea) also known as Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland, Joan Burfield or Joan St. John was an American actor. She had two children, Debbie Dozier and Martita Pareja.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Joan Fontaine was the younger sister of fellow actress Olivia de Havilland. She began her career in Hollywood in the 1930s and went on to star in many classic films including "Rebecca," "Suspicion," and "Jane Eyre." Fontaine was known for her delicate beauty and her ability to convey vulnerability on screen. Despite her success, she often battled with her sister, Olivia de Havilland, who was also a prominent actress in the industry. In 1942, Fontaine won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Suspicion," making her the first actor to win an Oscar for a performance in an Alfred Hitchcock film. Later in life, Fontaine became a licensed pilot and traveled extensively. She passed away in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California at the age of 96.
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June Allyson
June Allyson (October 7, 1917 The Bronx-July 8, 2006 Ojai) a.k.a. Ella Geisman, Eleanor Geisman, Junie, Ella, June Allison, Jane Allyson or Jan Allyson was an American actor and musician. She had two children, Pamela Allyson Powell and Richard Keith Powell Jr..
June Allyson began her career as a dancer before transitioning to acting in the late 1940s. She quickly became a popular leading lady, known for her girl-next-door charm and wholesome persona. Some of her most memorable roles include "Good News" (1947), "The Three Musketeers" (1948), and "Little Women" (1949).
Allyson also had success on television, starring in the popular CBS sitcom "The DuPont Show with June Allyson" from 1959 to 1961. She continued to act in films and television throughout the 1960s and '70s, and also appeared on stage in several Broadway productions.
In addition to her work in entertainment, Allyson was also known for her advocacy for children's causes, and served as a spokesperson for the National Children's Leukemia Foundation. After retiring from acting, she lived a quiet life in Ojai, California until her death in 2006.
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June Foray
June Foray (September 18, 1917 Springfield-) also known as June Lucille Forer or The Cartoon Queen is an American actor and voice actor.
She was best known for her vocal work in animated films and television shows, most notably as the voice of Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Natasha Fatale in the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. She also provided the voice for numerous other iconic characters, such as Granny from the Looney Tunes series and Cindy Lou Who in the original animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. June Foray began her career in radio in the 1930s and established herself as a versatile voice actress throughout the golden age of animation. She won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2012 for her lifetime achievement in voice acting and remained active in the industry until her passing in 2017 at the age of 99.
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June Lang
June Lang (May 5, 1917 Minneapolis-May 16, 2005 Valley Village) also known as Winifred June Vlasek or June Vlasek was an American actor. Her child is called Patricia Morgan.
June Lang began her career as a child actress and starred in several films in the 1930s and 1940s. She starred opposite notable actors such as James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, and Edward G. Robinson. Lang's most notable role was in the 1933 film "The Human Jungle". In 1940, Lang retired from acting after marrying her second husband, a screenwriter. She raised her daughter and pursued painting and sculpting as hobbies. In the 1970s, she returned to acting and appeared in a few television shows and films. Lang was also a successful businesswoman and owned multiple real estate properties.
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Marjorie Reynolds
Marjorie Reynolds (August 12, 1917 Buhl-February 1, 1997 Manhattan Beach) also known as Marjorie Goodspeed, Marjory Reynolds or Marjorie Moore was an American actor. Her child is called Linda Reynolds.
Reynolds started her acting career as a chorus girl and later worked as a contract player for Warner Bros. and other studios. She starred alongside Bing Crosby in the film Holiday Inn and was also known for her role in the TV series The Life of Riley. In addition to her work in film and television, Reynolds was also a popular radio personality and appeared on numerous radio programs throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Later in life, she retired from acting and became involved with animal rights activism. Reynolds passed away at the age of 79 due to congestive heart failure.
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Marsha Hunt
Marsha Hunt (October 17, 1917 Chicago-) a.k.a. Marcia Virginia Hunt, Marsha Virginia Hunt or Marcia Virginia "Marsha Hunt is an American actor, singer, model, politician and author.
She appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, working with acclaimed directors such as Orson Welles and John Ford. Marsha Hunt was also a popular model, notably appearing on the cover of Life magazine in 1943. In her later years, she became involved in politics and was a prominent activist for civil rights and social justice causes. She has authored several books, including her memoir, "The Way We Wore: Styles of the 1930s and '40s and Our World Since Then".
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Phyllis Diller
Phyllis Diller (July 17, 1917 Lima-August 20, 2012 Brentwood) a.k.a. Phyllis Ada Driver, Phyliss Diller or Phyllis Driver was an American comedian, actor and voice actor. Her children are called Stephanie Diller, Sally Diller, Suzanne Diller, Perry Diller and Peter Diller.
Phyllis Diller is known for her eccentric, self-deprecating humor that often poked fun at her personal appearance and household chores. She started her career in comedy at the age of 37, after her husband encouraged her to pursue her passion. Diller appeared on numerous television shows such as "Laugh-In," "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." She was also a regular performer in Las Vegas and released several comedy albums. In addition to her work as a comedian, she appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including "The Love Boat" and "A Bug's Life," where she provided the voice for the character of the Queen Ant. She was a trailblazer for female comedians and continued performing well into her 80s.
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Susan Hayward
Susan Hayward (June 30, 1917 Brooklyn-March 14, 1975 Hollywood) also known as Edythe Marrenner, Red or Edythe Marriner was an American model and actor. She had two children, Gregory Barker and Timothy Barker.
Despite a difficult childhood spent in poverty, Susan Hayward became an accomplished actress, receiving five Academy Award nominations and winning the Best Actress Oscar in 1959 for her role in "I Want to Live!". Some of her other memorable films include "Smash-Up, the Story of a Woman", "With a Song in My Heart", and "I'll Cry Tomorrow". Hayward also worked as a model early in her career, appearing in advertisements for products such as suntan lotion and Coca-Cola. She was known for her feisty personality and her dedication to her craft, often performing her own stunts in films. Hayward passed away in 1975 from brain cancer at the age of 57.
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Virginia Grey
Virginia Grey (March 22, 1917 Los Angeles-July 31, 2004 Woodland Hills) was an American actor.
Grey was born in Los Angeles to a show-business family. Her mother was an actress and her father was an MGM studio executive. Grey started out in the film industry as a child actor, appearing in several films in the early 1930s. She later worked as a contract player at MGM, where she appeared in over 50 films throughout her career.
Grey is perhaps best known for her role in the film "The Women" (1939), in which she played "Miriam Aarons." She also appeared in other notable films such as "Another Thin Man" (1939), "The Big Store" (1941), and "All That Heaven Allows" (1955).
In addition to her work in film, Grey also appeared in several television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Wagon Train," "Perry Mason," and "77 Sunset Strip."
After retiring from acting in the 1970s, Grey became a voice-over artist and lent her voice to several animated shows and movies, including "Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo" and "The Smurfs."
Virginia Grey passed away in 2004 at the age of 87 in Woodland Hills, California.
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Zsa Zsa Gábor
Zsa Zsa Gábor (February 6, 1917 Budapest-) also known as Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sári Gábor, Zsa-Zsa Gabor, ZsaZsa Gabor, Princess Zsa Zsa Gabor, Miss Hungary or Princess Von Anhalt, Duchess of Saxony is an American actor and socialite. She has one child, Constance Francesca Hilton.
Zsa Zsa Gabor came from a wealthy Hungarian family and began her career as a beauty queen, winning the 1936 Miss Hungary pageant. She soon after moved to the United States to pursue acting and went on to star in many films and television shows, including "Moulin Rouge," "Lili," and "Batman."
Throughout her career, Gabor was known for her glamorous lifestyle and often outrageous behavior. She was married nine times, including to hotel magnate Conrad Hilton and actor George Sanders. Gabor retired from acting in the 1990s but remained in the public eye, often making appearances on talk shows and reality television programs.
She passed away on December 18, 2016, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy as a Hollywood icon and a symbol of glamour and excess.
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Kay Aldridge
Kay Aldridge (July 9, 1917 Tallahassee-January 12, 1995 Rockport) also known as Katherine Aldridge, Katharine Aldridge or Katharine Gratten Aldridge was an American model and actor. She had four children, Carey Cameron Ferrero, Arthur Cameron, Scott Cameron and Melissa Brumder.
Kay Aldridge began her modeling career as a teenager, winning the title of Miss Tallahassee in a local beauty contest. She then moved to New York City to pursue modeling full-time, where she quickly became a popular pin-up model and appeared on the covers of several magazines.
After making her feature film debut in 1941's "The Bugle Sounds," Aldridge landed her breakthrough role as Nyoka in the adventure serial "Perils of Nyoka." Her performance as the daring heroine catapulted her to stardom and made her a household name.
Throughout the 1940s, Aldridge continued to appear in films and serials, including "Haunted Harbor" and "The Man from Oklahoma." She also made frequent appearances on radio shows and in advertisements.
In the 1950s, Aldridge retired from acting to focus on raising her children and pursuing other interests. She remained active in her community, serving on the board of several organizations and volunteering for charitable causes.
Despite stepping away from the spotlight, Aldridge remained a beloved figure among film and nostalgia enthusiasts until her death in 1995.
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Dorian Leigh
Dorian Leigh (April 23, 1917 San Antonio-July 7, 2008 Falls Church) also known as dorian_leigh or Dorian Elizabeth Leigh Parker was an American model, supermodel and actor. Her children are called Thomas Lofton and Marsha Hawkins.
Dorian Leigh was one of the most successful models in the 1940s and 1950s, and is considered to be the world's first supermodel. She began her modeling career in New York City in the 1940s, working for top designers such as Chanel, Balenciaga, and Dior. She graced the cover of numerous fashion magazines and was the face of many iconic ad campaigns, including Revlon's "Fire and Ice" campaign.
Aside from modeling, Leigh also pursued acting and appeared in a number of films, including "The Wings of Eagles" and "Deep in My Heart". She eventually retired from modeling in the early 1960s, but remained active in the fashion industry as a writer and commentator.
Leigh was married three times and had four children. She was known for her wit and intelligence, and her contributions to the fashion industry continue to be celebrated today.
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Gloria Dickson
Gloria Dickson (August 13, 1917 Pocatello-April 10, 1945 Los Angeles) also known as Thais Alalia Dickerson or Thais Dickerson was an American actor.
She began her career in Hollywood during the 1930s and appeared in several films, including "Charlie Chan in Reno" (1939) and "They Won't Forget" (1937). Dickson was known for her versatile acting skills and was often cast in a variety of roles, from femme fatales to sympathetic heroines.
She later struggled with alcoholism and was involved in a car accident that left her with a serious facial injury. Despite these challenges, Dickson continued to work in films and on radio shows.
Sadly, her life was cut short at the age of 27 when she died in a house fire in Los Angeles. It is said that she died trying to rescue her pets from the burning house. Her death was a tragic loss to the entertainment industry, and her talent is still celebrated today.
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Herta Ware
Herta Ware (June 9, 1917 Wilmington-August 15, 2005 Topanga) a.k.a. Herta Schwartz was an American actor and political activist. She had four children, Ellen Geer, Kate Geer, Thad Geer and Melora Marshall.
Ware began her career in the 1950s, appearing in various television shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits." She made her film debut in 1968 in the movie "Hang 'Em High." She is best known for her role as the grandmother in the 1982 horror film "Poltergeist."
Aside from her acting career, Ware was also an active member of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). She was passionate about politics and social justice, and often used her platform to advocate for causes such as racial equality and women's rights.
In her later years, Ware moved to Topanga, California where she continued to perform in local theater productions. She passed away in 2005 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actor and dedicated activist.
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Clarice Taylor
Clarice Taylor (September 20, 1917 Buckingham County-May 30, 2011 Englewood) a.k.a. Clarise Taylor was an American actor. She had two children, James Banks and William Banks.
Clarice Taylor was best known for her role as Anna Huxtable in the popular American sitcom "The Cosby Show". She started her acting career in the 1950s and appeared in numerous plays, television shows, and films throughout her career. Taylor was also a strong advocate for civil rights and was actively involved in the civil rights movement. She was married to musician and actor Maxwell Glanville until his death in 2002. In addition to her acting career, Taylor was also a talented singer and performed with jazz bands in her younger years. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 93.
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Lucille Bremer
Lucille Bremer (February 21, 1917 Amsterdam-April 16, 1996 La Jolla) was an American actor and dancer. She had four children, Christina, Karen, Torre and Nicholas.
Bremer is best known for her performances in musical films of the 1940s, such as "Ziegfeld Follies" and "Meet Me in St. Louis". She also starred in "The Harvey Girls" and "Yolanda and the Thief". Bremer started her dancing career at the age of 12 and quickly became a sought-after performer in Broadway productions. After transitioning to film, she found success as a leading lady but eventually retired from acting in the 1950s. Later in life, she became a real estate agent in California.
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Isabel Sanford
Isabel Sanford (August 29, 1917 Harlem-July 9, 2004 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Eloise Gwendolyn Sanford was an American actor. She had three children, Sanford K. Sanford, Pamela Ruff and William Eric Richmond.
Isabel Sanford is best known for her iconic role as Louise "Weezy" Jefferson on the popular television sitcoms "All in the Family" and its spin-off "The Jeffersons". In fact, she became the first African-American woman to win a major Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Louise.
Sanford began her career on stage, performing in various productions like "A Raisin in the Sun" and "The Amen Corner". She also appeared in several films such as "The Young Savages" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told".
After the success of "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons", Sanford became a household name and continued her acting career, both on television and in film. She also became a trailblazer for African-American actors, paving the way for future generations in the entertainment industry.
Sanford passed away in 2004 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances and unforgettable characters.
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Meg Wyllie
Meg Wyllie (February 15, 1917 Honolulu-January 1, 2002 Glendale) also known as Margaret Gillespie Wyllie, Margaret Gillespie "Meg" Wyllie or Meg Wylie was an American actor.
She began her career on Broadway in the 1940s, but ultimately transitioned to film and television. Wyllie appeared in over 100 TV shows and films throughout her career, including notable roles in the TV series "Kojak" and "The Twilight Zone" and the film "The Killer Shrews." She also provided the voice for the character of Mother Brain in the animated TV series "Captain N: The Game Master." In addition to acting, Wyllie was also an accomplished painter and sculptor. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 84.
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Edith Bouvier Beale
Edith Bouvier Beale (November 7, 1917 New York City-January 9, 2002 Bal Harbour) otherwise known as Little Edie or Edith 'Little Edie' Bouvier Beale was an American model, actor and socialite.
She was born into a prominent family, as her aunt was the former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. In 1975, a documentary titled Grey Gardens was made about Edith and her mother, who were living in squalor in their East Hampton mansion surrounded by cats and raccoons. The film gained a cult following and brought attention to the eccentric lifestyle of the reclusive mother-daughter duo. Later in life, Edith became a fashion icon and a source of inspiration for designers, such as Marc Jacobs, who created a fashion line inspired by her style. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 84.
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Virginia Dale
Virginia Dale (July 1, 1917 Charlotte-October 3, 1994 Burbank) a.k.a. Frances Paxton or Phyllis Randall was an American actor.
She began her career in the late 1930s and appeared in over 40 films throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Some of her most notable film credits include "The Lone Ranger Rides Again" (1939), "The Fighting 69th" (1940), and "The Outlaw" (1943).
In addition to her film work, Dale also appeared in several television shows such as "The Cisco Kid," "The Range Rider," and "The Lone Ranger." She retired from acting in 1957 and moved to Burbank, California, where she lived until her death in 1994.
Dale was known for her signature curly hair and Southern belle charm, which made her a favorite among audiences. She was married to actor Richard Lane from 1944 until his death in 2002.
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Lillian Porter
Lillian Porter (February 24, 1917 Alameda County-February 1, 1997 San Bernardino) otherwise known as Lillian Mary Porter or Mousie was an American actor.
Porter began her career as a child actor in the 1920s and appeared in over 40 films throughout her career. She was best known for her work in Hal Roach's "Our Gang" series where she played the character of "Toughie." In addition to her film work, Porter also performed in vaudeville and worked as a choreographer for various productions. After retiring from acting, she became a talent agent and represented actors such as Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood. Porter was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1983 for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
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Betty Comden
Betty Comden (May 3, 1917 Brooklyn-November 23, 2006 New York City) a.k.a. Basya Cohen, Comden, Betty or Elizabeth Cohen was an American librettist, screenwriter, actor, lyricist and playwright. She had two children, Susanna Kyle and Alan Kyle.
Comden was best known for her collaborations with Adolph Green. Together, they wrote the lyrics and book for some of the most beloved musicals of the 20th century, including "On the Town," "Wonderful Town," "Bells Are Ringing," and "On the Twentieth Century." Comden and Green also wrote the screenplay for the classic film "Singin' in the Rain." In addition to her work in musical theater and film, Comden acted in numerous stage and screen productions. She was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 1991 and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980.
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Loretta King Hadler
Loretta King Hadler (August 20, 1917 Phoenix-September 10, 2007 Century City) also known as Loretta King was an American actor.
Loretta King began her acting career in 1942 with the film "Eagle Squadron". She went on to appear in over 30 films and TV shows, including "The Big Sleep", "The Lost Weekend", and "Perry Mason". King was also well-known for her stage work, performing on and off-Broadway in productions such as "The Glass Menagerie" and "The Bad Seed". In addition to her acting career, King was also a notable philanthropist, donating her time and resources to various charities throughout her life. She passed away in 2007 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as both a talented performer and generous humanitarian.
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Margaret Wright
Margaret Wright (January 11, 1917 New York City-August 20, 1999 Los Angeles) was an American actor.
She started her acting career on stage and made her Broadway debut in 1945 in the play "The Innocent Voyage." She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions including "The Lark," "Orpheus Descending" and "A Man For All Seasons."
In addition to her work on stage, Wright also appeared in several films and television shows. She made her film debut in the 1950 film "Edge of Doom" and went on to appear in several other films including "The Pawnbroker" and "The Boston Strangler."
Her television credits include appearances on shows such as "Lawrence Welk Show," "The Virginian," and "Kojak." She is perhaps best known for her role as Mrs. Baldwin on the popular soap opera "General Hospital," which she played from 1965 until 1991.
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Shannon Bolin
Shannon Bolin (January 1, 1917 Spencer-) is an American actor and singer.
She is best known for her roles in musical theatre and television series. Bolin originated the role of Mrs. Paroo in the original production of "The Music Man" on Broadway in 1957. She also appeared in the original Broadway productions of "Flower Drum Song" and "Bye Bye Birdie".
On television, Bolin appeared in several popular shows in the 1950s and 1960s such as "Studio One", "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", and "Perry Mason". She also had a recurring role on the television series "The Defenders".
In addition to her acting career, Shannon Bolin was also an accomplished singer, performing in nightclubs and on television variety shows. She recorded several albums throughout her career, including "Shannon Bolin Sings" and "Shannon Bolin Sings the Hit Songs from the Broadway Musical 'Bye Bye Birdie'".
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Joan McCracken
Joan McCracken (December 31, 1917 Philadelphia-November 1, 1961 Fire Island) a.k.a. McCracken, Joan was an American comedian, dancer and actor.
She was born on New Year's Eve in 1917 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joan started performing at a young age and eventually made her way to Broadway. She is perhaps best known for her hilarious performance in the original Broadway production of "Oklahoma!" where she played the role of Ado Annie.
Joan was a highly talented dancer and appeared in several other Broadway productions, including "Bloomer Girl" and "The King and I." She also appeared in films such as "Good News" and "When the Boys Meet the Girls."
Unfortunately, Joan's career was cut short when she was diagnosed with diabetes. She continued to perform despite her illness but ultimately passed away at the young age of 43 due to complications from diabetes. Despite her short career, Joan McCracken is remembered as a talented performer and a beloved member of the Broadway community.
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Movita Castaneda
Movita Castaneda (December 4, 1917 Nogales-) also known as Maria Casteneda, Movita Castendada, Maria Luisa Casteñada, Movita Casteneda, Movida Castaneda, Movita Castenada, Movita, Movita Luisa Casteñada, Movita Casteñada or Maria "Movita" Castaneda is an American actor. Her children are called Miko Castaneda Brando and Rebecca Brando.
She was of Mexican and Castilian descent and began her acting career in 1931 with a small role in the film "No Limit". She went on to appear in several motion pictures in the 1930s and 1940s, including "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "Fort Apache". Castaneda also gained notoriety for her off-screen relationship with actor Marlon Brando, whom she met on the set of "Mutiny on the Bounty". The couple would later have two children together, but their relationship ended in the early 1960s. Castaneda later became an acting coach and continued to work in the entertainment industry as a talent agent. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 97.
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Doris Davenport
Doris Davenport (January 1, 1917 Moline-June 18, 1980 Santa Cruz) was an American actor.
She's best known for her extensive work in both film and television during the 1940s and 1950s. Davenport began her acting career on stage, appearing in various plays throughout the 1930s. She made her feature film debut in 1941 in the film "The Great Awakening," and eventually starred in over 30 films throughout her career. Some of her most notable roles include "The Big Shot" (1942), "Behind Green Lights" (1946), and "Trapped" (1949).
In addition to her film work, Davenport was also a frequent presence on television in the 1950s. She appeared on several popular shows of the era, including "The Lone Ranger," "Dragnet," and "77 Sunset Strip." Davenport continued to act throughout the 1960s before retiring from the industry in the early 1970s. She passed away in Santa Cruz, California in 1980.
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Dona Massin
Dona Massin (February 18, 1917 Winnipeg-May 26, 2001 Culver City) a.k.a. Lucianna Thomassin was an American actor.
Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Massin began her career in the entertainment industry as a dancer before transitioning into acting. She appeared in numerous films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, often in supporting roles. Some of her most notable roles include appearances in "The Big Clock" (1948) and "The Greatest Show on Earth" (1952).
In addition to her film work, Massin also made appearances on television shows such as "I Love Lucy" and "The Wild Wild West." She also worked as a vocal coach for actors and singers.
Massin passed away in Culver City in 2001 at the age of 84.
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Joan Roberts
Joan Roberts (July 15, 1917 New York City-August 13, 2012 Stamford) also known as Roberts, Joan was an American actor.
She was best known as the original Laurey Williams in the Broadway production of the musical "Oklahoma!" in 1943. Roberts received critical acclaim for her performance and her solo rendition of the song "People Will Say We're in Love" became a hit. She continued to appear in various stage productions throughout her career, including "High Button Shoes" and "The Skin of Our Teeth." In addition to her work in theater, Roberts also appeared in television and film, with credits including "Studio One in Hollywood," "The Philco Television Playhouse," and "The Big Show." After retiring from acting, Roberts became a teacher, sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring performers.
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Barbara Read
Barbara Read (December 29, 1917 Port Arthur-December 12, 1963 Laguna Beach) a.k.a. Barbara Reed was an American actor. She had two children, William Whitney Talman III and Barbie Talman.
Read began her acting career in 1939, appearing in the film "Charlie Chan in Reno." She went on to appear in numerous films throughout the 1940s, including "The Sea Hawk" and "Sahara." In the 1950s, she transitioned to television, appearing in shows such as "Dragnet" and "The Lone Ranger."
Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Read's personal life was troubled. She struggled with alcoholism and her marriage to actor William Talman was rocky. Talman filed for divorce in 1955, but the couple ultimately reconciled.
Tragically, Read died in 1963 at the age of 45 due to complications from alcoholism.
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Lorna Gray
Lorna Gray (July 26, 1917 Grand Rapids-) a.k.a. Virginia Pound, Adrian Brian or Adrian Booth is an American actor.
Lorna Gray started her acting career in the 1930s and quickly rose to fame, earning leading lady roles in B-movies such as "Flying G-Men" and "The Lone Ranger Rides Again." She later appeared in notable films, including "The Adventures of Captain Marvel" and "Perils of Nyoka." Lorna was also a talented singer and recorded several songs for films and radio broadcasts. In addition to her acting career, she was also a successful businesswoman and owned her own beauty salon. Lorna retired from acting in the 1950s but remained active in the industry, serving on the board of the Screen Actors Guild.
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Éva Szörényi
Éva Szörényi (May 26, 1917 Budapest-December 1, 2009 Studio City) also known as Éva Soreny, Eva Soreny or Lersch Elvira was an American actor. Her children are called István Örményi Jr., Tamás Örményi and Gábor Örményi.
Éva Szörényi was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1917. She began her career in acting in Hungarian and German films during the 1930s. In 1943, she moved to the United States with her husband, Hungarian actor István Örményi, and continued her film career in Hollywood.
Szörényi appeared in several films including "Something to Shout About" (1943), "The Purple Heart" (1944) and "The Seventh Cross" (1944). Her last film appearance was in "Prince of Players" (1955). She also appeared in various stage productions in the Los Angeles area.
In addition to her acting career, Szörényi was also a voice and acting coach. She coached several Hollywood actors including Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood and Shelley Winters.
Szörényi passed away in 2009 at the age of 92 in Studio City, California.
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