Joan Marsh was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Charlie Chan on Broadway, Road to Zanzibar, and Anna Karenina.
Personal and Family Life
Joan Marsh was born Dorothy D. Rosher on July 10, 1914, in Porterville, California. She was the daughter of renowned cinematographer Charles Rosher and had a brief stint in the film industry as a child in Mary Pickford movies. Later, she adopted the stage name Joan Marsh when she began her career in acting. Joan was married twice, first to screenwriter Charles Belden and later to Captain John Morrill of the Army Air Transport Command, with whom she had two children.
Career Highlights
Joan’s acting career started around the time when sound films emerged, and she showcased her talent with her exceptional speaking and singing voice. She worked with major studios like Universal and MGM, landing roles in films like King of Jazz and Inspiration. Aside from acting, Joan was also known for her dancing skills in popular styles like the Charleston, further broadening her entertainment repertoire.
Death and Legacy
Joan Marsh passed away on August 10, 2000, in Ojai, California. She is remembered as a vibrant actress of the 1930s and 1940s, with a career that showcased her diverse talents from acting to singing and dancing. Her contributions to early cinema remain appreciated by film enthusiasts and historians alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie Chan on Broadway | 1937-09-22 | Joan Wendall, Photographer |
| Road to Zanzibar | 1941-04-11 | Dimples |
| Anna Karenina | 1935-08-30 | Lili |
| It’s Great to Be Alive | 1933-07-08 | Toots |
| Dancing Feet | 1936-01-20 | Judy Jones |
| Follow the Leader | 1944-06-03 | Milly McGinnis |
| Inspiration | 1931-01-31 | Madelaine Dorety |