Merle Oberon British film actress Date of Birth: 19.02.1911 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Education
2. Arrival in England
3. Hollywood Stardom
4. Later Life

Early Life and Education

Merle Oberon, born Estelle Merle O'Brien Thompson on February 19, 1911, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, was raised by her mother, Charlotte Selby. In 1914, when Merle was three, her father, Arthur Thompson, succumbed to pneumonia, leaving Charlotte and her young daughter destitute. For several years, they struggled through life in Bombay, moving from one cheap lodging to another.

Merle's fortunes improved slightly when she was sent to La Martiniere College for Girls, but her time there was cut short due to bullying and rumors. Undeterred, she pursued her passion for acting and, in her late teens, met an ex-actor who promised to help her break into films in France.

Arrival in England

In 1928, Merle arrived in England. She initially worked as a club hostess and took on minor roles in various films. In 1933, director Alexander Korda cast her as Anne Boleyn in "The Private Life of Henry VIII," which marked the beginning of her success.

Hollywood Stardom

During the 1930s, Merle's career flourished, thanks to her talent and her marriage to Korda. She became a Hollywood star and embraced the glamorous lifestyle. However, her mother remained in Britain and passed away in 1937.

Later Life

After divorcing Korda in 1945, Merle married cinematographer Lucien Ballard. She had several more marriages throughout her life. She retired to Malibu, California, and lived there until her death from a stroke at the age of 68.