Kay Linaker was an American actress best known for her roles in films like Charlie Chan in Reno, Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo, and A Close Call for Ellery Queen.
Personal and Family Life
Born as Mary Katherine Linaker on July 19, 1913, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, she showed an early interest in acting and attended a private school in Connecticut before going to New York University. While in New York, she pursued her passion for the stage by studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She later married Howard Phillips in 1945 and had two children, a son named Bill and a daughter named Regina.
Career
Kay Linaker began her career in the late 1930s, appearing in several films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. While she was known for her work in film, she also made a transition into television writing later in her career. In addition to acting, she became an educator, teaching screenwriting and acting at Keene State College until her retirement in 2005. Her contributions to the film industry and education made a lasting impact.
Death and Legacy
Kay Linaker passed away on April 18, 2008, in Keene, New Hampshire, due to heart failure. Remembered for her work in film and education, she left behind a legacy as one of the oldest college professors in New England and a respected figure in the Screen Actors Guild.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie Chan in Reno | 1939-06-16 | Mrs. Wayne Russell |
| Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo | 1937-12-17 | Joan Karnoff |
| Charlie Chan’s Murder Cruise | 1940-05-02 | Linda Pendleton |
| Charlie Chan in Rio | 1941-09-05 | Helen Ashby |
| A Close Call for Ellery Queen | 1942-01-29 | Margo Rogers |
| I Am a Criminal | 1938-12-07 | Linda La Rue |