Gwen Kenyon was an American actress best known for her roles in The Great Mike, Socks Appeal, and In Old New Mexico. She had a successful career primarily during the 1930s and 1940s, appearing in many films and short subjects.
Personal and Family Life
Born Margaret Gwendolyn Kenyon on January 22, 1916, in Los Angeles, California, she grew up in the Hollywood scene as the daughter of a retired actress. Gwen married Morton Scott in 1943 and supported her ill mother while juggling her studies and various jobs, including working as a theater usher and a doctor’s receptionist. She was discovered by a talent scout while dancing in a theater.
Career
Gwen Kenyon’s career started with minor roles and bit parts in films and she was signed by Paramount in 1937. Throughout her career, she appeared in a variety of second features and short subjects, showcasing her cheerful and athletic persona. Despite her numerous appearances, she is often remembered for her roles in films like Charlie Chan in the Secret Service and The Corpse Vanishes.
Death and Legacy
Gwen Kenyon passed away on October 18, 1999, in Montecito, California. Her contributions to film, especially in the 1930s and 1940s, continue to be appreciated by classic cinema enthusiasts. Though she often took on minor roles, her presence added charm and vitality to the films she was in.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Corpse Vanishes | 1942-05-08 | Peggy Woods |
| Charlie Chan in the Secret Service | 1944-02-14 | Inez Arranto |
| Tornado | 1943-08-09 | Sally Vlochek |
| Man From Headquarters | 1942-01-23 | Hat Check Girl |
| Sarong Girl | 1943-06-11 | Barbara |
| Wells Fargo | 1937-12-31 | Pioneer Girl |
| Thanks for the Memory | 1938-11-11 | Model |
| Cocoanut Grove | 1938-05-20 | Girl |
| In Old New Mexico | 1945-05-15 | Ellen Roth |
| Dancing Co-Ed | 1939-09-29 | Jean Royce (uncredited) |
| Piano Mooner | 1942-12-11 | Harry’s Wife |
| Blonde and Groom | 1943-04-16 | Gertrude, Harry’s wife |
| Sing, You Sinners | 1938-09-02 | Cigarette Girl (uncredited) |
| Turnabout | 1940-05-17 | Model (uncredited) |
| Cafe Society | 1939-03-03 | Checkroom Girl |
| Free, Blonde and 21 | 1940-03-28 | New Girl |
| Lawless Plainsmen | 1942-03-17 | Madge Mason |
| All Women Have Secrets | 1939-12-15 | Helen |
| So’s Your Aunt Emma! | 1942-04-17 | Maris |
| Say It in French | 1938-11-25 | Girl |
| Quack Service | 1943-09-03 | Dizzy |
| Cosmo Jones, Crime Smasher | 1943-01-29 | Phyllis Blake |
| Tropic Holiday | 1938-06-29 | Girl (uncredited) |
| Hold ‘Em Navy | 1937-11-04 | Caroline |
| Under Age | 1941-04-23 | Gladys |
| Niagara Falls | 1941-10-17 | Hotel Guest (uncredited) |
| Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife | 1938-03-25 | (uncredited) |
| True Confession | 1937-12-24 | Girl (uncredited) |
| Phantom Lady | 1944-01-28 | Girl in Tag Sequence (uncredited) |
| A Maid Made Mad | 1943-03-19 | Shoe Customer |