Peggy Moran was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Mummy’s Hand, Horror Island, and King of the Cowboys. She had a successful career in the early 1940s, notably becoming a cult favorite for her “scream queen” performances.
Personal and Family Life
Born Marie Jeanette Moran on October 23, 1918, in Clinton, Iowa, Peggy was the daughter of Louise Moran, a dancer, and Earl Moran, a pin-up artist. She was nicknamed “Peggy” since childhood and pursued her dream of acting from a young age. Peggy married director Henry Koster in 1942, who promised to feature her in every film he made. They had two sons, Nicolas and Peter.
Career Highlights
Peggy began her acting career in the late 1930s after convincing a guard at Warner Brothers to let her onto the lot. Her big break came with Universal Pictures, where she starred in several notable films, including her most famous role in The Mummy’s Hand. Despite retiring in the late 1940s, Peggy maintained a presence in the film community, attending conventions, and had minor cult fame for her earlier roles.
Death and Legacy
Peggy Moran passed away on October 24, 2002, in Camarillo, California, from injuries sustained in a car accident. Despite her retirement from acting, she continued to charm fans at events until the end of her life. Peggy is remembered for her contributions to classic horror films and her enduring legacy as a beloved figure in the industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Mummy’s Hand | 1940-09-20 | Marta Solvani |
| One Night in the Tropics | 1940-11-15 | Mickey Fitzgerald |
| Seven Sweethearts | 1942-11-13 | Albert ‘Al’ Van Maaster |
| Horror Island | 1941-03-28 | Wendy Creighton |
| King of the Cowboys | 1943-04-09 | Judy Mason |
| Gold Diggers in Paris | 1938-06-11 | Golddigger |
| Drums of the Congo | 1942-07-17 | Enid Waldron |
| Trail of the Vigilantes | 1940-12-13 | Barbara Thornton |
| Rhythm of the Saddle | 1938-11-06 | Maurine McClune |
| Girls’ School | 1938-09-30 | Myra |
| There’s One Born Every Minute | 1942-06-26 | Helen Barbara Twine |
| Spring Parade | 1940-09-27 | Archduchess Irene |
| Argentine Nights | 1940-09-06 | Peggy |
| Slightly Tempted | 1940-10-18 | Judy Ross |
| Hello, Sucker | 1941-06-01 | Rosalie Watson |
| Boy Meets Girl | 1938-08-27 | New York Operator |
| Zenobia | 1939-04-21 | Party Guest |
| Alias the Deacon | 1940-05-13 | Phyllis |
| Ninotchka | 1939-11-23 | First Cigarette Girl (uncredited) |
| First Love | 1939-11-10 | Girl at School |
| Treat ‘Em Rough | 1942-01-30 | Betty Newman |
| Stage Door Canteen | 1943-06-24 | Peggy Moran |
| Danger On Wheels | 1940-02-02 | Patricia “Pat” O’Shea |
| Oh, Johnny, How You Can Love! | 1940-01-01 | Carol Ann ‘Kelly’ Archer |
| I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby | 1940-05-01 | Linda Carroll |
| West of Carson City | 1940-01-19 | Millie Harkins |
| Hot Steel | 1940-05-24 | Babe Morrison |
| Winter Carnival | 1939-07-28 | Viola |
| The Big Guy | 1939-12-22 | Joan Lawson |
| Flying Cadets | 1941-10-24 | Kitty Randall |
| Secrets of an Actress | 1938-09-10 | Actress Waiting to See Carstairs (uncredited) |
| The Mummy’s Tomb | 1942-10-23 | Marta Solvani Banning (archive footage / uncredited) |
| Monster Madness: The Golden Age of the Horror Film | 2014-08-01 | Self |
| Hollywood’s Magical Island: Catalina | 2003-09-12 |