Myrna Loy Biography (1905-1993)



Born Myrna Williams, August 2, 1905, in Raidersburg MT; died from surgical complications, December 14, 1993, in Manhattan, NY. Stage, film, and televisionactress. Loy gained fame in Hollywood through the "Thin Man" series of filmsfor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in the 1930s and 1940s. Starring with WilliamPowell, Loy portrayed the witty, liberated Nora Charles--wife to Powell's Nick--in the immensely popular comedy/mystery films. She began her career as a chorus girl at Graumann's Chinese Theater and soon graduated to a series of exotic temptress roles in films. Gradually earning larger parts, she won the Nora Charles role in 1934. Her rising popularity among moviegoers prompted thepress to dub her the "Queen of the Movies" in the latter half of the 1930s and early 1940s. This status led to several high profile roles opposite such stars as Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and Spencer Tracy. During World War II, Loy dedicated herself to volunteer work for the Red Cross. Following the war she appeared in what many regard as her best role, as the wife of returning soldier Frederic March in 1946's The Best Years of Our Lives. The performance earned her the Brussels World Film Festival prize for best actress. At the start of the 1960s, Loy began acting in stage productions such as The Marriage Go-Round and Barefoot in the Park. In the 1970s, she ventured into television acting and appeared in numerous programs, including Death Takes a Holiday and Summer Solstice with Henry Fonda. She also appeared on the comedy series Love Sidney. In 1980 she made her final screen appearance with the film Just Tell MeWhat You Want. In addition to her acting, Loy was active in politics and lent her time to charitable causes. In addition to the numerous awards and honors for her work, Loy was bestowed an Academy Award for lifetime achievement in1990.

Gender
Female
Occupation
actress
Birth Details
August 2, 1905
Raidersburg, Montana, United States
Death Details
December 14, 1993
Manhattan, New York, United States

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