Ann Savage was an American actress known for her roles in Detour, Midnight Manhunt, and The Last Crooked Mile. She gained fame for her portrayal of tough characters in film noir movies during the 1940s.
Personal and Family Life
Born Bernice Maxine Lyon on February 19, 1921, in Columbia, South Carolina, Ann Savage grew up as an only child. Her father was a U.S. Army officer, which meant the family moved frequently. After her father’s passing when she was just four, her mother took her to Los Angeles, where Ann started acting in local theater. She later changed her name to Ann Savage before pursuing a career in films.
Career Highlights
Ann began her film career with small roles, eventually landing bigger parts in movies like Footlight Glamour and Detour. Her performance as Vera in Detour earned her a place among iconic film villains, leading to a cult following. Ann also appeared as a pin-up for soldiers during World War II and made many personal appearances to support the war effort.
Death and Legacy
Ann Savage passed away on December 25, 2008, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 87 due to complications from multiple strokes. She was celebrated for her contributions to film noir, receiving recognition for her work even in her later years. In 2005, the Academy named her an “icon and legend,” and she was praised by Time Magazine in 2007 for her career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Footlight Glamour | 1943-09-30 | Vicki Wheeler |
| Detour | 1945-11-30 | Vera |
| Midnight Manhunt | 1945-07-27 | Sue Gallagher |
| Apology for Murder | 1945-09-27 | Toni Kirkland |
| My Winnipeg | 2008-06-13 | Mother |
| Scared Stiff | 1945-06-22 | Sally Warren |
| The Spider | 1945-12-01 | Florence Cain |
| After Midnight with Boston Blackie | 1943-03-18 | Betty Barnaby |
| The Last Crooked Mile | 1946-08-09 | Sheila Kennedy |
| Pier 23 | 1951-05-11 | Ann Harmon |
| Renegade Girl | 1946-12-25 | Jean Shelby |
| Pygmy Island | 1950-11-22 | Capt. Ann R. Kingsley |
| Saved by the Bell | 1989-08-20 | Mrs. Thornhill (uncredited) |
