-
birth
Born in Springfield, MA -
debut in the 'Vaudeville Kiddie Review'
discovered by producer Gus Edwards -
moved into revue at New York's Ritz Grill and Broadway debut in "The Optimists"
At every audition, she was asked if she knew how to Tap dance. She did not and decided she should learn how. -
became a Broadway star having performed in "Follow Thru"
tapped to '"Button Up Your Overcoat" -
performed with Anita Page and Fannie Brice
"Crazy Quilt" -
performed at Carnegie Hall and in Ziegfeld's "Hot-Cha"
-
first movie appearance
George White's 'Scandals of 1935' -
Period: to
MGM contract
'Broadway Melody of 1936' (1936)
'Born to Dance' (1936)
'Rosalie' (1937)
'Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937)
'Honolulu' (1939)
'Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940; danced with Fred Astaire)
'Lady Be Good' (1941; danced to 'Fasincain' Rhythm')
'Ship Ahoy' (1942)
'Thousands Cheer' (1943) -
married to Glenn Ford
-
movie flop then retirement
'Sensations of 1945' was a flop -
became a minister
-
Period: to
hosted Sunday morning TV program 'The Faith of Our Children'
-
divorce
-
Ed Sullivan Show
-
Ellie Award
contribution to the film musical -
death