Vivian Smolen
Vivian Smolen | |
|---|---|
 Anne Elstner and Vivian Smolen in Stella Dallas | |
| Born | Vivian Smolen March 7, 1916 New York City |
| Died | June 11, 2006 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Known for | Acting in radio soap operas |
| Spouse | Harold Klein |
Vivian Smolen (March 7, 1916 โ June 11, 2006)
Decades after those roles ended, an article in the Chicago Tribune said: "When Vivian Smolen Klein speaks, people listen. There is something in her voice, a memory, a hint of something bygone, something that once was very important."[2]
Early years
Smolen was born in New York City.[1] As an elementary school student, she auditioned and won a part in The Children's Hour in New York. That work brought her $2 per program. She recalled later: "They liked me. I stayed with them a long time."[2] While she was still in school, she also performed on the children's program The Lady Next Door.[2] She graduated from James Madison High School in Brooklyn, New York, in 1933[3] and attended Brooklyn College.[4]
Career
In 1941, Smolen was picked to play Laurel Dallas in Stella Dallas. Her work on that program helped her to obtain the lead in Our Gal Sunday,[2] a role that she played from 1946 to 1959.[5] The two programs were on the air concurrently, but Smolen said, "It wasn't uncommon to have two big parts at once. I did many parts on many radio programs all the time."[2] Smolen's other work on radio included playing Veronica Lodge on Archie Andrews[6] and Marge Barclay in Doc Barclay's Daughters.[6]: 100 .
In 1957, Smolen was a member of the supporting cast on a recording of Pinocchio that was issued by Decca Records.[7]
Later years
In the 1970a, Smolen acted on Chicago Radio Theater and did commercials.[2]
Personal life
Smolen married Harold Klein, an executive with Plitt Theatres.[2]
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7864-3848-8. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Our Gal Sunday's happiness survives". Chicago Tribune. Illinois, Chicago. February 5, 1981. p. 6-Section 2. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
- Newspapers.com.
- Newspapers.com.
- ISBN 9781476604145. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7864-4513-4.
- ^ "Decca Issues Special 'Pinocchio' Album" (PDF). The Cash Box. June 1, 1957. p. 42. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
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