Priscilla Lawson was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Flash Gordon, Double Wedding, and The Girl of the Golden West.
Personal and Family Life
Born Priscilla Shortridge on March 8, 1914, in Indianapolis, Indiana, she grew up in a modest household as the daughter of a locomotive mechanic. Priscilla started her career as a model and gained fame after winning the title of “Miss Miami Beach” in 1935. This recognition helped her secure a contract with Universal Pictures, where she began her acting journey.
Career Highlights
Priscilla Lawson’s Hollywood career primarily consisted of minor roles in films, often portraying character types like nurses and secretaries. Her most noted performance was as Princess Aura in the 1936 film Flash Gordon, a role that contributed to her status as a cult figure. Despite a promising start, her acting career was short-lived, and she transitioned through various roles until her final appearances in the early 1940s.
Death and Legacy
Priscilla Lawson passed away on August 27, 1958, at the age of 44 due to cirrhosis of the liver and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. She spent her final days in the Veterans’ Administration hospital in Los Angeles. While her film career was brief, her iconic role as Princess Aura has left a lasting impression in film history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Gordon | 1936-04-06 | Princess Aura |
| Double Wedding | 1937-10-15 | Felice, Margit’s Secretary |
| The Girl of the Golden West | 1938-03-18 | Nina Martinez |
| Sutter’s Gold | 1936-03-01 | Native Girl |
| College Holiday | 1936-12-19 | Student / Phone Operator |
| Test Pilot | 1938-04-16 | Mable |
| The Women | 1939-09-01 | Hairdresser #1 (uncredited) |
| Arsène Lupin Returns | 1938-02-25 | Switchboard Operator (uncredited) |
| Rocket Ship | 1938-03-05 | Princess Aura |
| Heroes of the Hills | 1938-08-01 | Madeline Reynolds |
| Billy the Kid | 1941-05-30 | Bessie – Barmaid (uncredited) |
| The First Hundred Years | 1938-03-12 | Mary Brown – Lynn’s secretary (uncredited) |
| The Accusing Finger | 1936-11-17 | Hat Check Girl |
| The Great Impersonation | 1935-12-08 | Maid (uncredited) |
| Dangerous Waters | 1936-02-10 | Valparaiso Bar Girl – Back to Wall (uncredited) |
| Spaceship to the Unknown | 1966-01-01 | Princess Aura (archive footage) |
| Rose Bowl | 1936-11-30 | Florence Taylor |
| Three Loves Has Nancy | 1938-09-02 | Gertie, at the Party (uncredited) |