Gloria DeHaven

Biography

Gloria Mildred DeHaven (July 23, 1925 – July 30, 2016) was a talented American actress and singer, renowned for her time as a contract star with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

Born in Los Angeles, California, to actor-director Carter DeHaven and actress Flora Parker DeHaven, both of whom had roots in vaudeville, Gloria began her performing career at a young age. Her first notable role came as a child actor in Charlie Chaplin's celebrated film, Modern Times (1936). Following this, she signed with MGM and appeared in several films, including Best Foot Forward, The Thin Man Goes Home (1944), and Summer Stock (1950). Although she garnered recognition—ranked third in exhibitors’ votes for "star of tomorrow" in 1944—she never quite reached the level of stardom.

In addition to her film work, DeHaven made significant contributions to television, appearing regularly in series such as As the World Turns, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, and Ryan's Hope. She also took part in the ill-fated film Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976) and guest-starred in numerous popular television shows ranging from Gunsmoke to Touched by an Angel.

DeHaven passed away on July 30, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 91, leaving behind a rich legacy in the entertainment industry.