Mildred Helen Shay American actress Date of Birth: 26.09.1911 Country: Great Britain

1. Birth and Early Life
2. Education and Influences
3. Entry into Acting
4. Fame and Relationships
5. Acting Career
6. Later Life and Death

Birth and Early Life

Mildred Helen Shay, later known as the "Pocket Venus," was born on September 26, 1911, on Long Island, New York. Her father, Joseph A. Shay, was a wealthy lawyer, while her mother, Lillian, was a socialite. The family tragedy of losing Mildred's older brother in a drunk driving accident shortly after her birth left a lasting impact on their lives.

Education and Influences

Mildred spent her early years in New York and France before her father sent her and her younger sister, Adelina, to London for further education. The Shays had homes in Nice and Florence, where Mildred interacted with former Russian aristocrats who had fled the revolution. Eventually, the family settled in Hollywood, and Mildred became exposed to the glamour and artistry of the film industry.

Entry into Acting

Mildred's passion for acting was ignited after meeting Lawrence Olivier and Harpo Marx at a luxury hotel where she resided. With her father's support, she auditioned with Douglas Fairbanks Jr. at Fox Studios and landed her first roles in "The Age of Consent" (1932) and "A Bill of Divorcement" (1932). She also provided the voice of Greta Garbo in "Grand Hotel" (1932).

Fame and Relationships

Mildred's beauty and outgoing personality garnered widespread attention. She became known more for her scandalous relationships than for her acting roles. Her lovers included Errol Flynn, Howard Hughes, Johnny Weissmuller, and Cecil B. DeMille. She was married three times: to Thomas Francis Murphy (who physically abused her), Winthrop Gardiner Jr. (who gifted her with an extravagant diamond ring), and Geoffrey Steele, a British officer who remained her husband for 46 years until his death.

Acting Career

Despite her notoriety, Mildred's film career was relatively modest. She appeared in "The Women" (1939) alongside Joan Crawford and later starred in "I Killed the Count" (1948), which was her last role for some time. She returned to the big screen in the 1970s, playing roles in films such as "Star" (1968), "The Great Gatsby" (1974), and the biographical film about Rudolph Valentino, where she danced with Rudolf Nureyev.

Later Life and Death

Mildred Shay continued to be a vibrant figure in later life. She maintained an active social life, attending events and keeping close connections with the royal family. She passed away on October 15, 2005, at the age of 94, while visiting her daughter in London.