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Marion ShillimgAmerican actress of the 30s of the last century.
Date of Birth: 03.12.1910
Country:  USA |
Content:
The Biography of Marion Shilling
Marion Shilling was an American actress of the 1930s. Despite being often forgotten when discussing leading actresses of that era, Marion received the Golden Boot Award in 2002, which honors individuals for their significant contributions to the western genre in film and television.
Born on December 3, 1910, in Denver, Colorado, Marion came from a theatrical producer's family. However, there is some debate about her actual year of birth. Many biographers insist on 1911 or even 1914, although the majority agree on 1910. Additionally, it was common for artists to understate their age, not the other way around.
Early Career
Marion began her career as a stage actress, playing leading roles in plays such as "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" and "Miss Lulu Betts." In 1929, the attractive brunette with creamy-smooth skin signed a contract with MGM and made her film debut as Ruth Bins in the melodrama "Wise Girls." Her next role in the unsuccessful film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Lord Byron of Broadway" almost spoiled her budding career. However, her starring role in the crime drama "Shadow of the Law" alongside William Powell saved her and placed her among the leading heroines of "B-movies."
Recognition and Later Career
In 1931, Shilling became one of the 13 girls chosen for the "WAMPAS Baby Stars" advertising campaign. Sponsored by American film producers from the Western Association of Motion Picture Advertisers, this annual campaign provided support and press coverage for the most promising young actresses. One of the "baby stars" of 1931 was the future movie star Marian Marsh.
From 1930 to 1936, Marion Shilling appeared in 42 films, mostly westerns and detective movies. She often worked alongside Tom Keene and Guinn "Big Boy" Williams. In the 1934 film "The Red Rider," Marion partnered with the famous actor Buck Jones, who had appeared in numerous popular westerns. Notable supporting actors in the film included Irish politician William Desmond and legendary athlete Jim Thorpe, a Native American by heritage. Marion later stated that she enjoyed working with Buck Jones, a talented actor and perfectionist who always demanded the best from his colleagues.
Despite the successful start to her career, Marion Shilling gradually received less significant roles in low-budget films from small studios. In 1936, she abruptly stopped making films, explaining that she was getting married and wanted to devote herself to her family. The following year, she married Edward Cook, a wealthy real estate businessman, and they lived together for 61 years until his death in 1998. They had two children, a son named Edward, born in February 1939, and a daughter named Francis, born in March 1941 and died in 1995. Marion Shilling never acted again.
Later Life and Legacy
Marion was often forgotten when discussing the leading actresses of the 1930s. However, in 2002, she received the Golden Boot Award for her exceptional contribution to the western genre in film and television. Marion Shilling passed away on November 6, 2004, at the age of 93, in Torrance, California.
