Early in life she took an interest in singing and went to New York City aspiring to be a part of the Metropolitan Opera, but when this did not work out, as she planned, she came here to Chicago where she became part of the musical ‘Irene.’ In 1929, Showman Florenz Ziegfeld, while the two were riding in an elevator, ‘discovered her’ and soon after featured her in the musical ‘Showboat.’ Destined to become a movie star, she traveled to California and RKO signed her in 1930, The following year, she got an Oscar nomination for her role in the movie ‘Cimarron.’ Her next career highlight was the lead role in ‘Roberta’ (1935) where she introduced the classic song ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.’ Though she loved acting in dramatic roles, she was found to be a gifted comedic actress. Cary Grant starred with her in the classic ‘My Favorite Wife’ (1940) and went on to say that she was his favorite co-star of all because she ‘was so much fun to work with.’ Her last film was in 1952 though appearing on television throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. She christened the paddle wheeler ‘Mark Twain’ at Disneyland when it opened in 1955. She was involved in several charities and also worked with the United Nations. She is in a crypt just across the hall from the Barrymore’s in Cavalry Cemetery in East Los Angeles.
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