Cecilia Parker American film actress of Canadian origin. Date of Birth: 26.04.1914 Country: USA

1. Biography of Cecilia Parker
2. Early Career
3. Breakthrough in Hollywood
4. Success at MGM
5. Andy Hardy Series
6. Later Career and Personal Life

Biography of Cecilia Parker

Cecilia Parker was an American film actress of Canadian origin. Born on April 26, 1914, in Fort William, Ontario, she moved to California with her family when she was a child. Her father, Thomas J. Parker, was a British officer, and her mother, Naudy Anna Parker, played a significant role in shaping Cecilia's career.

Early Career

At the age of 12, Cecilia Parker started working as an extra in movies, thanks to her mother's influence. From 1926 to 1931, she appeared in seven films without being credited. She attended the Convent of the Immaculate Heart, a Catholic school in Hollywood, and graduated in June 1931.

Breakthrough in Hollywood

Eventually, Cecilia caught the attention of a prominent executive from 20th Century Fox, who signed her to a contract and sent her to a dramatic school to refine her acting skills. In 1932, she landed her first leading role in the romantic Western film "The Rainbow Trail," alongside George O'Brien. She also appeared in the 12-episode film series "The Jungle Mystery" in 1932-1933, further establishing her career.

Success at MGM

In 1934, Cecilia Parker played a significant role as Greta Garbo's sister in "The Painted Veil," which led her to sign a seven-year contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). The studio was searching for a blonde actress who resembled Garbo but was younger. Her salary started at $75 per week and increased to $1000 per week after six years. In November 1935, Cecilia bought a new house in Beverly Hills, where she enjoyed playing basketball and hosting barbecues.

Andy Hardy Series

Cecilia's career progressed steadily until she landed the role of Marian Hardy, Andy Hardy's older sister, in a series of films in the late 1930s and early 1940s. She appeared in 12 movies as Andy's sister, alongside Hollywood stars such as Mickey Rooney, Lewis Stone, Ann Rutherford, and Fay Holden. This role became one of her most memorable, despite her versatility in different genres.

Later Career and Personal Life

There were rumors of conflicts between Cecilia Parker and MGM, leading her to be loaned to PRC Studios in 1941. However, she returned to MGM and appeared in five more films before leaving Hollywood in 1942. She made three comebacks in 1958, 1962, and 1984, reprising her role as Marian Hardy.

In 1938, Cecilia married actor Dick Baldwin, who later helped her become a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1940. They had two sons and a daughter. After retiring from acting, Cecilia and Dick settled in Ventura, California, where they focused on real estate sales. She was also a close friend of actress Anne Shirley, and they would have dinner together every Thursday.

Cecilia Parker passed away on July 25, 1993, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the Golden Age of Hollywood.