Cleatus Virginia Caldwell American model and actress Date of Birth: 02.03.1923 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Marriage to Ken Murray
3. Motherhood and Divorce
4. Relationship with George Raft
5. Career and Second Marriage
6. Later Life and Death

Early Life and Education

Born on March 2, 1923, in Oklahoma, Klitus Virginia Caldwell was the daughter of Riley Caldwell and Gertrude (nee Ott). It is believed that one of her ancestors belonged to the Cherokee Indian tribe. When Klitus was seven years old, her parents relocated to Huntington Park, Los Angeles, California. She attended Fairfax High School, where she began posing for photographers due to her striking appearance.

Marriage to Ken Murray

In May 1941, Klitus was noticed sitting at a street cafe table with Ken Murray, a successful Hollywood actor, producer, screenwriter, and entrepreneur. Despite their 20-year age difference, they started a romance. On June 5, 1941, Klitus and Ken obtained a marriage license, and they tied the knot just five days later. The wedding took place at the Hollywood home of actor Lew Ayres, with Bing Crosby, Jack Oakie, Bob Hope, and other celebrities in attendance. Klitus was only 18 years old, while Ken was 37.

Motherhood and Divorce

Klitus gave birth to her first son, Kenneth Doncourt Jr., on September 14, 1942, in Los Angeles. Her second son, Cort Riley, who later became a famous singer known as Cort Murray, was born on March 18, 1944. Sadly, by the end of 1945, Klitus and Ken's relationship had deteriorated, and they were frequently seen with other people. Klitus even appeared in gossip columns due to a possible affair with actor Victor Mature. In January 1946, their divorce was finalized, and Ken quickly remarried for the third time.

Relationship with George Raft

After her divorce, Klitus began a romance with George Raft, who had been married for 20 years. Meanwhile, Ken provided Klitus with generous financial support, including a monthly allowance of $3,100 and a one-time payment of $22,000, on the condition that she remained unmarried. If Klitus were to remarry, the alimony would be reduced to $1,000 per month.

Career and Second Marriage

In 1946, Klitus made her acting debut in the musical film "Susie Steps Out," but she did not secure any further roles. Two years later, she played an Indian woman in the western film "Two Guys from Texas," but did not receive credit. Despite her aspirations for a career rather than new romantic relationships, Klitus married actor Robert Hutton in October 1946. Her ex-husband sent her furniture as a wedding gift. However, their marriage ended in separation and divorce by the fall of 1950, with Klitus accusing Hutton of cruel behavior and seeking alimony.

Later Life and Death

Klitus entered her third marriage in 1980. She passed away on June 6, 1993, at the age of 70.