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Toby WingAmerican chorus girl and film actress of the 1930s.
Date of Birth: 14.07.1915
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Toby Wing: A 1930s Starlet
- Early Career
- Film Career
- The Second World War
- Personal Life
- Marriage to Dick Merrill
- Legacy
Toby Wing: A 1930s Starlet
Toby Wing was born on July 14, 1915, on her grandfather's farm outside Richmond, Virginia. In the early 1920s, her father, Paul Wing, relocated the family to Hollywood, where he became an assistant director and studio manager at Paramount Pictures.
Early Career
Through her father's connections, Toby made her film debut at the age of nine in the 1924 silent film "The Boy from Flanders." In 1931, her striking appearance caught the attention of MGM, and she joined the Goldwyn Girls, a dance troupe that launched the careers of actresses such as Paulette Goddard, Virginia Bruce, and Betty Grable.
Film Career
Toby appeared in 38 films over a seven-year period. However, she struggled to break into leading lady roles. Her most notable performance was in the 1933 musical "42nd Street." She continued to appear in minor roles, often for fleeting moments on screen.
The Second World War
In 1935, she landed a starring role in the Canadian comedy "Thoroughbreds" through the influence of her then-lover, who financed the film. Frustrated by her lack of success, Toby retired from acting in 1938. During World War II, she became a popular pin-up girl, receiving more fan mail from soldiers than Claudette Colbert and Marlene Dietrich.
Personal Life
Toby Wing was known for her numerous affairs with wealthy and famous men, including Maurice Chevalier, Jackie Coogan, Al Vanderbilt, and FDR Jr. The tragic death of one of her suitors, aviator John Helms, in 1936 prompted her to reevaluate her approach to relationships.
Marriage to Dick Merrill
In 1938, Toby met the renowned aviator Dick Merrill. They married in Tijuana, Mexico, despite their 20-year age difference. They had two sons, one of whom died in infancy. Toby and Dick's marriage lasted until Dick's death in 1982.
Legacy
Toby Wing, a lovely blonde, passed away on March 22, 2001, at the age of 86. Her career as a 1930s starlet was marked by a mix of fame and frustration, but her life and relationships remain a fascinating tale of Hollywood glamour and intrigue.
