Barbara Jo Allen

Barbara Jo Allen was an American actress best known for her role as Vera Vague and her comedic performances in various radio and film projects. Born on September 2, 1906, in New York City, she became a prominent figure in entertainment during the late 1930s and onwards.

Personal and Family Life

Barbara Jo Allen was born into a well-off family but moved to Los Angeles after her parents died. She was married three times, including to Norman Morrell, with whom she had one daughter. Throughout her life, she showed a deep affection for animals and later authored a children’s book expressing her ecological concerns.

Career Highlights

Allen’s career began in radio in 1937, and she gained fame as her character Vera Vague, a quirky and humorous woman. She appeared in over 50 films and was a regular in popular shows, traveling with various USO tours. Notably, she lent her voice to the character Fauna in Disney’s classic Sleeping Beauty.

Death and Legacy

Barbara Jo Allen passed away on September 14, 1974, in Santa Barbara, California. She left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, being remembered for her unique comedic style and her beloved character, Vera Vague. Her contributions earned her two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Sleeping Beauty 1959-02-17 Fauna (voice)
The Mad Doctor 1940-12-20 Louise Watkins (as Barbara Allen [Vera Vague])
Hiss and Yell 1946-02-14 Vera Vague
Larceny, Inc. 1942-04-24 Mademoiselle Gloria
Sing, Dance, Plenty Hot 1940-08-10 Susan
Goliath II 1960-01-21 Goliath II’s Mother
Kiss the Boys Goodbye 1941-08-01 Myra Stanhope
Born to Be Loved 1959-06-01 Irene Hoffman
Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch 1942-10-01 Tabitha Hazy
Girl Rush 1944-10-21 Suzie Banks
Ice-Capades 1941-08-19 Vera Vague
Mohawk 1956-04-01 Aunt Agatha
Moon Over Las Vegas 1944-04-01 Auntie
Henry Aldrich Plays Cupid 1944-04-01 Mrs. Terwilliger (“Blue Eyes”)
The Women 1939-09-01 Receptionist (uncredited)
Village Barn Dance 1940-01-30 Vera Vague
Earl Carroll Sketchbook 1946-08-22 Sherry Lane
Broadway Melody of 1940 1940-02-09 Ms. Konk (uncredited)
Ice Capades Revue 1942-12-24 Aunt Nellie
Rosie the Riveter 1944-04-08 Vera Watson
Buy Me That Town 1941-10-03 Henriette Teagarden
Melody and Moonlight 1940-10-10 Adelaide Barnett
Square Dance Katy 1950-03-25 Gypsy Jones
Get Going 1943-06-21 Matilda Jones
The Opposite Sex 1956-11-15 Dolly DeHaven
Cowboy Canteen 1944-02-09 Vera Vague
Melody Ranch 1940-09-15 Veronica Whipple
Columbia Laff Hour 1956-01-01 Vera Vague (archive footage)
Lake Placid Serenade 1944-12-23 Countess
You Dear Boy! 1943-11-04 Vera
Doctor, Feel My Pulse 1944-01-22 Vera Vague
Strife of the Party 1944-10-13 Vera Clayton
She Snoops to Conquer 1944-12-30 Vera
The Jury Goes Round ‘n’ Round 1945-06-01 Vera Vague
Calling All Fibbers 1945-11-29 Vera Vague
Headin’ for a Weddin’ 1946-08-15 Vera Vague
Reno-Vated 1946-11-21 Vera Butts
Cupid Goes Nuts 1947-05-01 Vera Vague / Prudy Vague
Miss in a Mess 1949-01-13 Vera Vague
Clunked in