Irene Purcell was an American actress who is best known for The Man in Possession, The Passionate Plumber, and Just a Gigolo. She was born on August 7, 1896, in Whiting, Indiana, and passed away on July 9, 1972, in Racine, Wisconsin.
Personal and Family Life
Irene Purcell was married to Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr. from October 4, 1941, until her death in 1972. She lived in a large home designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright after marrying Johnson, who was the chairman of the Johnson Wax Company. Throughout her life, she was known for her passion for the arts, having primarily worked in theater and appearing in a handful of films during the 1930s.
Career Highlights
Primarily recognized as a stage actress, Irene gained fame for her role as Robert Montgomery’s leading lady in The Man in Possession (1931). In the early 1940s, she sold Fancy Rock Island to actress Joan Marlowe for $1 million, a significant transaction in her life. Her film career included notable performances in several films during the early talkie era.
Death and Legacy
Irene Purcell passed away on July 9, 1972, in Racine, Wisconsin. Her legacy as a talented actress lives on through her performances in classic films. Despite primarily being a stage actress, her work helped shape the roles for women in early cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Passionate Plumber | 1932-02-06 | Patricia Alden |
| The Man in Possession | 1931-07-04 | Crystal Wetherby |
| The Crooked Circle | 1932-09-25 | Thelma Parker |
| Just a Gigolo | 1931-06-06 | Roxan Hartley |
| Westward Passage | 1932-05-27 | Baroness Diane von Stael |
| Bachelor’s Affairs | 1932-06-26 | Jane Remington |