An American actress, born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, on January 5, 1917. After graduating from the University of Missouri, she became a radio singer. In 1936, she broke into films, signing a contract with Warner Bros. Pictures, after which she appeared in many films, such as The Long Weekend (1945). She got her first Oscar nomination for her performance in The Yearling (1946). Her successful career continued throughout the fifties and sixties. Her last cinematic work was the 1969 film How to Commit Marriage, whereupon she turned to television, appearing in many TV movies and series, including the hit series Falcon Crest. She retired in 1998.