Marsha Hunt was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Human Comedy, Pride and Prejudice, and Blossoms in the Dust.
Personal and Family Life
Born Marcia Virginia Hunt on October 17, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, Marsha was the youngest of two daughters of a lawyer and a music teacher. The family moved to New York when she was young, where she attended several schools and developed an interest in acting from an early age. She worked as a model and singer before pursuing a career in acting, changing her name to Marsha as she embarked on her Hollywood journey in 1934.
Career Overview
Marsha Hunt’s acting career began when she was signed by Paramount Pictures, which led to her first major film role in The Virginia Judge in 1935. Throughout the late 1930s and 1940s, she appeared in various films, although many of her performances went unrecognized as she often played supporting roles. Her career faced challenges during the McCarthy era, which impacted her opportunities in the film industry, leading her to focus more on stage and television work in later years.
Death and Legacy
Marsha Hunt passed away on September 7, 2022, in Sherman Oaks, California, from natural causes. She left behind a significant legacy as a talented actress and a voice for civil rights, having worked with various humanitarian organizations throughout her life. Even in her later years, Hunt remained active in the community and continued to participate in projects that aligned with her passions.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Take One False Step | 1949-08-14 | Martha Wier |
| Jigsaw | 1949-03-11 | Mrs. Hartley’s Secretary (uncredited) |
| Raw Deal | 1948-05-21 | Ann Martin |
| Thousands Cheer | 1943-09-13 | Marsha Hunt |
| The Valley of Decision | 1945-05-03 | Constance Scott |
| Pride and Prejudice | 1940-07-26 | Mary Bennet |
| Johnny Got His Gun | 1971-08-04 | Joe’s Mother |
| The Human Comedy | 1943-03-02 | Diana Steed |
| Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman | 1947-03-01 | Martha Gray |
| None Shall Escape | 1944-02-03 | Marja Pacierkowski |
| Kid Glove Killer | 1942-04-17 | Jane Mitchell |
| Ellery Queen, Master Detective | 1940-11-30 | Barbara Braun |
| Meurtres à l’Empire State Building | 2008-08-14 | Norah Strinberg |
| Cry ‘Havoc’ | 1943-11-23 | Flo Norris |
| Lost Angel | 1943-12-23 | Katie Mallory |
| The Inside Story | 1948-03-14 | Francine Taylor |
| Blue Denim | 1959-07-30 | Jessie Bartley |
| Murder, She Wrote | 1984-09-30 | Elvira Tree |
| Star Trek: The Next Generation | 1987-09-28 | Anne Jameson |