Canadian actresses who were born in 1912
Here are 9 famous actresses from Canada were born in 1912:
Rosina Lawrence
Rosina Lawrence (December 30, 1912 Westboro, Ottawa-June 23, 1997 New York City) also known as Miss Lawrence or Miss Jones was a Canadian actor, dancer and singer.
She began her entertainment career in vaudeville at the age of six and later worked in radio before transitioning to film in the 1930s. Lawrence is perhaps best known for her role as Daisy Mae in the 1940 film adaptation of the comic strip "Li'l Abner." She also appeared in films such as "Buck Privates" and "Rhythm on the River." In addition to her film work, Lawrence continued her career in radio and performed on stage in Broadway productions. After retiring from acting, she ran a successful talent agency in New York City.
Despite a successful career in entertainment, Lawrence was also known for her philanthropic work. She was a supporter of various charitable organizations and donated her time and money to causes such as cancer research and the March of Dimes. In 1960, she was awarded the prestigious "Woman of the Year" award by the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation for her dedicated service to the organization. Lawrence remained active in the industry and continued to attend film festivals and events until her passing in 1997 at the age of 84.
Peggy Cartwright
Peggy Cartwright (November 14, 1912 Vancouver-June 12, 2001 Victoria) a.k.a. Peggy Courtwright was a Canadian actor.
Peggy Cartwright began her acting career in the 1930s with small roles in British films. She then appeared in several Hollywood productions in the 1940s and 1950s, often playing supporting roles. Cartwright is best known for her roles in the films "Gone with the Wind" (1939), "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938), and "The Four Feathers" (1939). In the later years of her career, Cartwright became a prolific television actor and appeared on popular shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "Perry Mason." Cartwright was also an accomplished stage actor and appeared in numerous productions in both Canada and the United States.
In addition to her successful acting career, Peggy Cartwright was also heavily involved in philanthropy work. She was a founding member of the Canadian Cancer Society and served as its national president from 1953 to 1955. Cartwright was also involved in fundraising efforts for the British War Relief Society during World War II. She was awarded the Order of Canada in 1977 for her leadership and charitable work. In her personal life, Peggy Cartwright was married to Canadian actor Dane Clark from 1947 until his death in 1998.
Phyllis Crane
Phyllis Crane (August 7, 1912 Calgary-October 12, 1982 New York City) otherwise known as Phyllis Francis was a Canadian actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s, performing on stage in both Canada and the United States. In the 1950s and 60s, she appeared on numerous television shows and films, including prominent roles in "Perry Mason", "The Twilight Zone", and "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour". She was also a talented voice actor, lending her voice to various animated series such as "The Jetsons" and "Woody Woodpecker". Throughout her career, Crane was known for her versatility and prowess in various genres, from drama to comedy.
She continued to work in the entertainment industry until the early 1980s, appearing in the popular series "Little House on the Prairie" as well as in several TV movies. Besides acting, Crane was also involved in theater production and direction. She co-founded the New York-based theater group, The Company of Four, and served as a director for various productions. Crane was widely respected and admired by her peers, receiving several awards and nominations for her work, including an Emmy nomination for her role in "The Nurses". She passed away in 1982, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Dorothy Johnson Hibler
Dorothy Johnson Hibler (October 4, 1912 Vancouver-April 7, 2010 Glendale) a.k.a. Dottie or Dorothy Johnson was a Canadian actor. She had three children, Christopher Hibler, John Michael Hibler and Melissa Hibler.
Hibler began her career in show business as a dancer, performing in vaudeville shows across Canada and the United States. She later transitioned to acting and appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." Despite facing discrimination as a Black actress during the era of segregation in Hollywood, Hibler continued to pursue her passion for acting and made valuable contributions to the entertainment industry. In addition to her work in front of the camera, Hibler was also a dedicated civil rights activist and worked closely with the NAACP.
She was one of the founding members of the Negro Actors Guild of America, an organization that fought against discrimination in the entertainment industry. Her efforts helped to pave the way for more opportunities for Black actors in Hollywood. Throughout her career, Hibler continued to inspire and motivate others, both through her work in show business and her activism. She passed away in Glendale, California at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and dedication.
Gertrude Keeler
Gertrude Keeler (February 24, 1912 Halifax-May 10, 1992 Los Angeles) was a Canadian actor.
She began her career as a child actor on stage and screen in Canada before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s. Keeler appeared in over 70 films, including "The Great Ziegfeld" (1936) and "The Women" (1939). She also made several appearances on television, with roles on shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "Gunsmoke." Keeler was known for her distinctive voice and for playing comedic or slightly offbeat characters. In addition to her acting career, she was also a writer and artist. Keeler passed away at the age of 80 in 1992.
During her childhood, Gertrude Keeler was already known for her captivating stage presence and acting skills. She started performing at the age of 4, and by the time she was 12 years old, she had already made her way into several Canadian films. When she was a teenager, Gertrude decided to take a chance and move to Hollywood to further her career in acting.
As she gained wider recognition in America, Gertrude Keeler was often described as a blonde bombshell and a magnetic presence on screen. She was admired not only for her talent, but also for her impeccable comedic timing and witty delivery. Her most memorable roles highlighted her exceptional ability to portray both the vulnerability and strength of her characters.
Gertrude Keeler's talents extended beyond acting; she was also an accomplished artist and writer. She illustrated a few children's books and even made some full-length paintings that were later on exhibited in art galleries. Her love for painting truly showed in her work, as she was able to produce pieces that were truly beautiful and admired by many.
In 1941, Gertrude Keeler married actor Ralph Bellamy; their union lasted for five years before they divorced. Keeler remained a prominent figure in Hollywood until the early 1960s when she decided to retire from the entertainment industry to focus on her art and other passions. Gertrude Keeler passed away in Los Angeles in 1992 at the age of 80 but she left a remarkable legacy in both film and art.
June Havoc
June Havoc (November 8, 1912 Vancouver-March 28, 2010 Stamford) a.k.a. Ellen Evangeline Hovick, Ellen June Hovick, June Hovik or June Hovick was a Canadian actor, theatre director, author, dancer and model. She had one child, April Hyde.
June Havoc was born into a family of vaudevillians and began performing at a very young age with her sister, Gypsy Rose Lee. She was known for her roles in films such as "Gentleman's Agreement" (1947) and "The Iron Curtain" (1948), as well as her work in television and on stage. In addition to her successful career as a performer, Havoc also worked as a theatre director, author and dancer. She wrote several books, including her autobiography "Early Havoc," which was later adapted into a Broadway musical, "Gypsy." Havoc continued to perform and work in the entertainment industry well into her 80s. She passed away in 2010 at the age of 97.
Havoc was the younger sister of Gypsy Rose Lee, a burlesque dancer and actress. Their mother, Rose Thompson Hovick, was a stage mother who pushed her daughters into show business from a young age. Havoc's childhood experiences were the subject of her memoir, "Early Havoc," which detailed her difficult upbringing and her strained relationship with her mother. Despite the challenges she faced, Havoc went on to have a successful career in entertainment and became known for her talent and versatility as a performer. In addition to her work on stage and screen, Havoc was a passionate advocate for the arts and worked to promote theatre and dance throughout her life. She received numerous honors and awards for her contributions to the arts, including the National Medal of Arts in 1995. Havoc's legacy as a performer and arts advocate continues to inspire generations of artists and performers today.
Monty Margetts
Monty Margetts (July 26, 1912 Vancouver-February 27, 1997 Woodland Hills) was a Canadian actor.
Monty Margetts made his acting debut in the 1939 film "Out of the Fog" and went on to appear in over 60 films and television shows throughout his career. Some of his notable film credits include "The Purple Gang" (1959), "A Global Affair" (1964), and "Monterey Pop" (1968). Margetts also made appearances on popular TV shows such as "Gunsmoke," "The Andy Griffith Show," and "The Beverly Hillbillies." Additionally, he was a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild and served on its board of directors for several years. Margetts passed away in 1997 at the age of 84.
Margetts was not only an actor but also a writer, having written several plays and screenplays throughout his career. In 1949, he wrote and produced the play "Shadow of the Wall," which was later adapted into a film titled "The Scarf" in 1951. He also wrote and directed the 1962 film "Hemo the Magnificent," produced by the acclaimed filmmaker Frank Capra. Furthermore, Margetts appeared in numerous stage productions and worked as a voice actor in several animated films, including "The Secret of N.I.M.H." (1982) and "The Great Mouse Detective" (1986). Despite a career spanning several decades, he never achieved household name status but was respected and admired in the industry for his talent and contributions.
Joyce Worsley
Joyce Worsley (February 2, 1912 Toronto-April 12, 2004 Longboat Key) was a Canadian actor.
Joyce Worsley began her professional acting career in the 1930s, working primarily on stage productions. In the 1950s, she shifted her focus to television and appeared in several popular programs, including "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "Perry Mason." She also had roles in various films throughout her career, including the classic western "The Magnificent Seven."
Outside of her acting work, Worsley was a dedicated advocate for the arts. She was a founding member of the Toronto branch of the Canadian Actors' Equity Association and served as the organization's president for several years. Later in her career, she also became a voice coach, working with actors on their diction and delivery.
Throughout her life, Worsley remained deeply committed to her Canadian roots. She often returned to perform in Toronto theater productions and was known for her love of the city. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was awarded the Order of Canada in 1998.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Joyce Worsley also had a passion for education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Toronto and went on to teach drama and public speaking at Havergal College, a prestigious all-girls school in Toronto. Worsley also wrote several books on the subject of acting, including "Acting Shakespeare: Applause First Folio Editions," which has become a go-to resource for many actors.
Despite her success in the United States, Worsley remained fiercely proud of her Canadian heritage. She was known to attend events hosted by the Canadian consulate in New York and was a regular visitor to Toronto's exclusive Granite Club. Worsley passed away in 2004 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of passion and dedication to the arts.
Juliette Huot
Juliette Huot (January 9, 1912 Mercier-Est-March 16, 2001 Brossard) was a Canadian actor.
She began her acting career at the age of 15 and quickly became known for her talent and versatility. Huot appeared in numerous films, television shows, and plays throughout her career, including the popular television series "Les Belles Histoires des Pays d'En Haut." She was also a founding member of the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde and worked with several other leading theatre companies in Quebec. In addition to her acting work, Huot was also a devoted advocate for the arts and culture in Quebec, and was awarded the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 1997. She died in 2001 at the age of 89, leaving behind a rich legacy in Canadian theatre and film.
Huot was born in Mercier-Est, Quebec, Canada, and was the daughter of a baker. She had ten siblings and grew up in a working-class family. Despite this, she showed a passion for acting from an early age and was encouraged to pursue her dreams by her family. After starting her acting career in small theatre productions, she quickly gained recognition for her talent and was soon cast in larger roles.
In 1956, Huot became a founding member of the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, which is one of the most prestigious theatre companies in Quebec. This was a significant milestone for her career and allowed her to work alongside some of the most influential actors and directors of the time.
Huot was also known for her work in film and appeared in several popular titles, including "Les Lumières de ma ville" and "Amanita Pestilens." She also worked extensively in television, appearing in many popular series during her career.
Throughout her life, Huot remained a passionate advocate for arts and culture in Quebec, supporting the development of new talent and the preservation of its heritage. Her contributions to the arts were recognized with several awards, including the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 1997.
Today, Juliette Huot is remembered as one of the most influential actors of her generation and a pioneer for the development of Quebec's cultural heritage.