Shirley Ross was an American actress best known for her work in musicals and her memorable partnerships with entertainers like Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Born Bernice Maude Gaunt on January 7, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska, she became a prominent figure in the film industry during the 1930s and 1940s.
Personal and Family Life
Shirley Ross was the daughter of Charles Burr and Maude C. Ellis Gaunt. She studied piano at a young age and later attended Hollywood High School, where she honed her vocal skills. Throughout her life, she was married twice, first to John Kenneth Dolan, with whom she had two children, and later to Everett S. (Eddie) Blum, with whom she had one child.
Career Highlights
Ross began her career in music, collaborating with Gus Arnheim’s band and performing in various high-profile clubs. Her singing talent caught the eye of famed songwriters Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, leading to a contract with MGM in 1933. She is particularly remembered for her role in “The Big Broadcast of 1938,” where she performed the iconic song “Thanks for the Memory” alongside Bob Hope, which became one of her signature pieces.
Death and Legacy
Shirley Ross passed away on March 9, 1975, in Menlo Park, California, due to cancer. Despite her relatively brief stint in the spotlight, her contributions to film and music during the Golden Age of Hollywood continue to be cherished by musical fans. Her legacy is highlighted by her enchanting performances and memorable songs that remain iconic in American entertainment history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Big Broadcast of 1938 | 1938-02-11 | Cleo Fielding |
| Waikiki Wedding | 1937-03-23 | Georgia Smith |
| Buried Loot | 1935-01-19 | Girl in Apartment (uncredited) |
| Some Like It Hot | 1939-05-19 | Lily Racquel |
| Kisses for Breakfast | 1941-07-05 | Juliet Marsden |
| Blossoms On Broadway | 1937-11-19 | Sally Shea |
| Thanks for the Memory | 1938-11-11 | Anne Merrick |
| The Big Broadcast of 1937 | 1936-10-05 | Gwen Holmes |
| Age of Indiscretion | 1935-05-10 | Dotty |
| Paris Honeymoon | 1939-01-27 | Barbara Wayne |
| A Song for Miss Julie | 1945-02-19 | Valerie Kimbro |
| Manhattan Melodrama | 1934-05-04 | Singer in Cotton Club |
| Calm Yourself | 1935-06-28 | Ruth Rockwell |
| Two Hearts in Wax Time | 1935-03-23 | Mannequin Shirley (uncredited) |
| Prison Farm | 1938-06-17 | Jean Forest |
| Cafe Society | 1939-03-03 | Bells Browne |
| Devil’s Squadron | 1936-04-30 | Eunice |
| Sailors on Leave | 1941-09-30 | Linda Hall |
| Unexpected Father | 1939-06-14 | Dianna Donovan |
| It’s in the Air | 1935-10-10 | Cigar Stand Clerk (uncredited) |
| I Live My Life | 1935-10-04 | Vi (Uncredited) |
| Hedda Hopper’s Hollywood No. 2 | 1941-12-05 | |
| Hideaway Girl | 1936-11-20 | Toni Ainsworth |
| San Francisco | 1936-06-26 | Trixie |
| Jail Birds of Paradise | 1934-03-10 | Herself |
| What Price Jazz | 1934-05-28 | Singer |
| Bombshell | 1933-10-13 | Singer (uncredited) |
| La Fiesta de Santa Barbara | 1935-12-07 | Self |
| Matinee Theater | 1955-10-31 |