Nita Pike

Nita Pike was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Great Dictator, Espionage, and The Merry Widow. Born as Juanita Magda Pike on August 1, 1913, in Paris, France, she moved to the United States during her childhood.

Personal and Family Life

Nita Pike grew up in Los Angeles, California, where her father worked in advertising. At eighteen, she was hired by Samuel Goldwyn as one of the “Goldwyn Girls” and made her film debut in the 1931 musical Palmy Days. In 1938, she married actor Alan Edwards, who was twenty years her senior. The couple lived a fulfilling life, enjoying their time together with their beloved dog, Toddy.

Career

Nita’s acting career began with her appearance in several films from the early 1930s, including appearances in The Merry Widow and Sherman Said It. She later appeared in Charlie Chaplin’s 1940 comedy The Great Dictator. Although many of her roles were small, she remained active in the film industry until her last project, the 1951 comedy Here Comes The Groom.

Death and Legacy

Nita’s life took a tragic turn when her husband Alan passed away on May 8, 1954. Devastated by his death, she took her own life just three days later, on May 11, 1954, at the age of forty. In her farewell note, she expressed her wishes regarding her pet and her desire to be cremated with Alan, showing her deep love for him. They were interred together at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Filmography