Actress. Her career as a dancer and actress spanned five decades on the stage, films, and television. Born Ann Veronica Lahiff of Irish ancestry, she started her career at a young age dancing with her sister in a local amateur talent contest, which led to roles in Broadway musicals. In 1927 she made her silver screen debut in "Ladies Must Dress" and the following year she appeared in six films, including "Easy Come, Easy Go" that saw her rise to stardom. In 1930 she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in "The Devil's Holiday." Her other notable films include "Illusion" (1929), "The Dance of Life" (1929), "The Wolf of Wall Street" (1929), "Close Harmony" (1929), "Laughter" (1930), "Follow Thru" (1930), "The Night Anger" (1931), "Hot Saturday" (1932), "Broken Lullaby" (1932; also known as "The Man I Killed"), "The Kiss Before the Mirror" (1933), and "Springtime for Henry" (1934). Her final film appearances were in "That Certain Age" and "There Goes My Heart" (both 1938) before retiring and returning to the stage. In 1950 she starred in the teenage situational comedy television series "The Aldrich Family" (1950 to 1951) followed by "The Egg and I" (1951). Her other television credits include "The Further Adventures of Ellery Queen' (1959), "Naked City" (1961), and "The United States Steel Hour" (1962). Over her career, she appeared in almost 40 films. She died from an aneurysm at the age of 61. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contribution to film industry.
Actress. Her career as a dancer and actress spanned five decades on the stage, films, and television. Born Ann Veronica Lahiff of Irish ancestry, she started her career at a young age dancing with her sister in a local amateur talent contest, which led to roles in Broadway musicals. In 1927 she made her silver screen debut in "Ladies Must Dress" and the following year she appeared in six films, including "Easy Come, Easy Go" that saw her rise to stardom. In 1930 she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in "The Devil's Holiday." Her other notable films include "Illusion" (1929), "The Dance of Life" (1929), "The Wolf of Wall Street" (1929), "Close Harmony" (1929), "Laughter" (1930), "Follow Thru" (1930), "The Night Anger" (1931), "Hot Saturday" (1932), "Broken Lullaby" (1932; also known as "The Man I Killed"), "The Kiss Before the Mirror" (1933), and "Springtime for Henry" (1934). Her final film appearances were in "That Certain Age" and "There Goes My Heart" (both 1938) before retiring and returning to the stage. In 1950 she starred in the teenage situational comedy television series "The Aldrich Family" (1950 to 1951) followed by "The Egg and I" (1951). Her other television credits include "The Further Adventures of Ellery Queen' (1959), "Naked City" (1961), and "The United States Steel Hour" (1962). Over her career, she appeared in almost 40 films. She died from an aneurysm at the age of 61. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contribution to film industry.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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