Martha Merrill was an American actress known for her roles in And She Learned About Dames, George White’s Scandals, and Living on Velvet. Born on February 22, 1916, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she had a brief but memorable career in film.
Personal and Family Life
Martha Merrill was born Martha Baum and was married twice, first to Parrish and later to Emanuel Manheim, with whom she remained until his death in 1988. Throughout her life, she struggled with poor health which impacted her acting career. After leaving Warner Bros., she signed with Columbia Pictures, where she was renamed Ann Merrill, although she did not receive credit for her work under this name.
Career Changes
After her acting career ended in the late 1930s due to health issues, producer Edgar Selwyn encouraged her to pursue writing short stories. This transition led to a significant career change when she received a five-year contract as a scenarist at Paramount Pictures. However, her films often went uncredited, which underscored the silent struggles she faced behind the scenes.
Death and Legacy
Martha Merrill passed away on April 2, 1991, in Los Angeles, California. Despite her challenges, she is remembered for her contributions to early 20th-century cinema and the versatility she demonstrated throughout her brief career. Her work remains a testament to the resilience of artists facing personal challenges.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Living on Velvet | 1935-03-02 | Cynthia Parker |
| They Met in a Taxi | 1936-09-08 | Edna Fletcher |
| Personal Maid’s Secret | 1935-10-26 | Dinner Guest |
| George White’s Scandals | 1934-03-15 | Wife in King Henry VIII sketch |
| In Caliente | 1935-05-25 | Chorus Girl |
| And She Learned About Dames | 1934-03-27 | Martha Howson |
| Shipmates Forever | 1935-10-12 | Sparks’ Girl (uncredited) |
| ‘G’ Men | 1935-05-04 | Nurse (uncredited) |
| Go Into Your Dance | 1935-04-20 | Angry Showgirl #2 |
| Don’t Bet on Blondes | 1935-07-13 | Bridesmaid (Uncredited) |
| History Is Made at Night | 1937-03-05 | |
| Show Boat | 1936-05-17 |