Frances Mercer was an American actress who is best known for Vivacious Lady, The Mad Miss Manton, and Beauty for the Asking. Born in New Rochelle, New York on October 21, 1915, she gained fame in stage, radio, films, and television. She passed away on November 12, 2000, in Los Angeles, California.
Personal and Family Life
Frances was the daughter of Sid Mercer. She was married to G. Robert Fleming. In her teenage years, she worked as a dark-haired ‘Powers Girl’ model in New York before transitioning to acting. After retiring from acting, she took on various jobs including being a bank teller and medical assistant.
Career
Frances started her acting career in the 1930s as an ingénue at RKO Pictures. She appeared in notable films such as The Mad Miss Manton and Vivacious Lady. After her film career, she also featured in television soap operas, showcasing her versatile talent in the entertainment industry.
Death and Legacy
Frances Mercer died from heart failure on November 12, 2000, in Los Angeles. Her contributions to film and television are remembered, particularly her roles in classic films of the late 1930s. She left behind a legacy as a talented actress who successfully navigated various phases of her career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Mad Miss Manton | 1938-10-21 | Helen Frayne |
| The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle | 1939-03-29 | Claire Ford |
| Blind Alibi | 1938-05-20 | Ellen |
| Crime Ring | 1938-07-08 | Judy Allen |
| Society Lawyer | 1939-03-21 | Sue Leonard |
| Smashing the Rackets | 1938-08-08 | Susan ‘Pat’ Lane |
| Piccadilly Incident | 1946-08-24 | Joan Draper |
| Annabel Takes a Tour | 1938-11-10 | Natalie Preston |
| Vivacious Lady | 1938-05-13 | Helen |
| Young and Dangerous | 1957-10-30 | Mrs. Price |
| Beauty for the Asking | 1939-02-24 | Patricia Wharton |
| The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond | 1960-02-03 | Flo – Brothel Madam (uncredited) |
| There’s Always Tomorrow | 1956-01-08 | Ruth Doran |
| Pardners | 1956-08-01 | Sally (uncredited) |