Irene Hervey

Irene Hervey

American film and television actress
Date of Birth: 11.07.1909
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Irene Hervey: From Studio Stardom to Television Success
  2. MGM Years and Early Roles
  3. Career Hiatus and Return
  4. Television Breakthrough
  5. Later Career and Legacy
  6. Personal Life

Irene Hervey: From Studio Stardom to Television Success

Irene Hervey, born Beulah Irene Herwick on July 11, 1909, in Venice, California, embarked on her acting career after being discovered by a casting agent for MGM. Her impressive screen debut as Nettie in King Vidor's "The Stranger's Return" in 1933 launched her career.

MGM Years and Early Roles

Under contract with MGM, Hervey appeared in several notable films, including "The Count of Monte Cristo" (1934) and the musical comedy "With Words and Music" (1937). In 1936, she transitioned to Universal Pictures, where she starred in "The League of Frightened Men" (1937) and the acclaimed Western "Destry Rides Again" (1939), alongside Marlene Dietrich and James Stewart.

Career Hiatus and Return

A serious car accident in 1943 forced Hervey to pause her career for five years. Upon her return in 1948, she appeared in "Mickey" and the fantasy film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid."

Television Breakthrough

The early 1950s marked Hervey's foray into television, with roles in series such as "Richard Diamond, Private Detective," "Peter Gunn," and "Hawaiian Eye." In 1965, she landed a recurring role in the soap opera "The Young Marrieds," followed by a stint as Aunt Meg in "Honey West." Her performance in "My Three Sons" earned her an Emmy Award nomination in 1969.

Later Career and Legacy

Following appearances in films like "Cactus Flower" and "Play Misty for Me," Hervey retired from acting and became a travel agent. However, she made a memorable return in 1978 with a guest role in "Charlie's Angels." Her final screen appearance came in 1981's "Goliath Awaits." Her prominent career was recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Personal Life

Hervey's first marriage to William Fenderson produced a daughter. She later married actor Allan Jones in 1936, with whom she had a son, singer Jack Jones. The couple divorced in 1957. Irene Hervey passed away at the age of 89 on December 20, 1998, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, due to heart failure.

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