Actress. She may be remembered for her portrayal of Wanda Mirova in "Overture to Glory" (1940). Born Helen Smuckler, she was raised in a traditional working-class family, the daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants. After beginning her career in stock companies, particularly Yiddish theatre, she was discovered by director Peretz Hirshbein while attending a social function at the Museum of Natural History. He took notice of her potential and arranged for her to begin a career in the film industry beginning in "Green Fields" (1937). From there, she would go on to appear in over 11 features; such as "The Light Ahead" (1939), "Black Magic" (1944), "The Master Race" (1944), "Stairway for a Star" (1947), "Playgirl" (1954), "The Shrike" (1955), and "Ada" (1961). On television, she appeared in guest roles on such programs as "The Rifleman" and "Marcus Welby, M.D." During her career, she had been a theatrical instructor for the Pasadena Playhouse, was one of the founding members of the Canyon Theatre Guild, and a commercial model for the Forbes Agency. She was married to actor Lee J. Cobb from 1940 to 1952 , their union ended in divorce but produced two children, one of whom became actress Julie Cobb. Upon her 1975 retirement, she spent the remainder of her life as a generous benefactor for several public schools and state parks, and was involved in charitable and religious causes.
Actress. She may be remembered for her portrayal of Wanda Mirova in "Overture to Glory" (1940). Born Helen Smuckler, she was raised in a traditional working-class family, the daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants. After beginning her career in stock companies, particularly Yiddish theatre, she was discovered by director Peretz Hirshbein while attending a social function at the Museum of Natural History. He took notice of her potential and arranged for her to begin a career in the film industry beginning in "Green Fields" (1937). From there, she would go on to appear in over 11 features; such as "The Light Ahead" (1939), "Black Magic" (1944), "The Master Race" (1944), "Stairway for a Star" (1947), "Playgirl" (1954), "The Shrike" (1955), and "Ada" (1961). On television, she appeared in guest roles on such programs as "The Rifleman" and "Marcus Welby, M.D." During her career, she had been a theatrical instructor for the Pasadena Playhouse, was one of the founding members of the Canyon Theatre Guild, and a commercial model for the Forbes Agency. She was married to actor Lee J. Cobb from 1940 to 1952 , their union ended in divorce but produced two children, one of whom became actress Julie Cobb. Upon her 1975 retirement, she spent the remainder of her life as a generous benefactor for several public schools and state parks, and was involved in charitable and religious causes.
Bio by: Lowell Thurgood
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