Cleo Moore was an American actress who is best known for her roles in films such as On Dangerous Ground, Women’s Prison, and Gambling House.
Personal and Family Life
Born Cleouna Moore on October 31, 1924, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Cleo was the daughter of a building contractor actively involved in Democratic politics. She married Palmer Long in 1944, the son of a prominent political figure, but their marriage lasted just six weeks. Later, Cleo found stability when she married Herbert Heftler in 1961, with whom she had a daughter named Debra Lee Heftler.
Career Highlights
Cleo Moore began her path to fame after moving to California, where she was discovered by a talent scout. Her film career began with Congo Bill in 1948, and she quickly became known for her roles in various B movies during the 1950s. Despite her acting talent, many of her films did not perform well at the box office, and she often found herself in minor roles that overshadowed her abilities.
Death and Legacy
Less than a week before her 49th birthday, Cleo Moore passed away from a heart attack on October 25, 1973, in Inglewood, California. Though her film career was largely spent in B movies, she continues to be remembered as a beloved sex symbol of the 1950s, with fans lamenting the potential her career could have had in more prominent roles.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| On Dangerous Ground | 1951-12-13 | Myrna Bowers |
| One Girl’s Confession | 1953-04-06 | Mary Adams |
| Women’s Prison | 1955-02-01 | Mae |
| Over-Exposed | 1956-04-01 | Lily Krenshka / Lila Crane |
| 711 Ocean Drive | 1950-07-01 | Mal’s Date (uncredited) |
| Bait | 1954-02-24 | Peggy |
| Gambling House | 1950-12-27 | Sally |
| Thy Neighbor’s Wife | 1953-09-23 | Lita Vojnar |
| Hit and Run | 1957-03-15 | Julie Hilmer |
| Hunt the Man Down | 1950-12-26 | Pat Sheldon |
| Bright Leaf | 1950-06-16 | Cousin Louise (uncredited) |
| The Other Woman | 1954-12-02 | Sherry Steward |
| Strange Fascination | 1952-09-01 | Margo |
| Congo Bill | 1948-10-28 | Lureen / Ruth Culver |
| Dynamite Pass | 1950-03-23 | Lulu |
| Rio Grande Patrol | 1950-10-20 | Peppie |
| The Pace That Thrills | 1952-03-01 | Ruby |
| The Great Jewel Robber | 1950-07-15 | Vivacious Blonde at Airport (uncredited) |
| Hold Back Tomorrow | 1955-11-01 | Dora |
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Ford Television Theatre | 1952-10-02 | Lana |