Una Merkel

Una Merkel (December 10, 1903 – January 2, 1986) was an accomplished American stage, film, radio, and television actress. Born and raised in Covington, Kentucky, Merkel moved to New York in her early twenties and broke into the theater scene before transitioning to the silver screen in Hollywood in 1930. Highlights of her career include renowned performances in films such as 42nd Street and Destry Rides Again. Her talents were recognized with a Tony Award in 1956 and an Oscar nomination in 1961. She was equally adept at comedy and drama, with notable roles throughout the 1930s as both the sharp-tongued best friend and the vulnerable lead. Her Kewpie doll looks and witty line delivery endeared her to audiences, leading to regular appearances in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer productions, where she often starred alongside A-listers like Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard, and Jack Benny.

Merkel's career spanned almost five decades, with remarkable resilience and agility. After a lull in the 1940s, Merkel successfully reinvented herself as a character actress, winning critical acclaim for her roles as mothers and maiden aunts. In 1956, she won a Tony Award for her role in The Ponder Heart on Broadway, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. Further acclaim came in 1961 with a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Summer and Smoke. Her final film role had her star alongside the legendary Elvis Presley in Spinout in 1966. Despite personal hardships including a near-death experience and the tragic suicide of her mother, Merkel remained a dedicated actress throughout her life. Her contributions to the film industry have been commemorated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.