Una Merkel was an American actress who is best known for her roles in 42nd Street, Destry Rides Again, and Summer and Smoke. With a career spanning several decades, she became a recognizable face in both film and theatre.
Personal and Family Life
Una Merkel was born on December 10, 1903, in Covington, Kentucky. She was married to Ronald Lucin Burla from January 1, 1932, until their divorce on March 26, 1947. Merkel faced difficult times, including a near-tragic incident when her mother, Bess, committed suicide in 1945, which deeply affected her life and career.
Career
Merkel began her acting career as a stand-in for famous actress Lillian Gish in the film The Wind (1928). She branched into Broadway before returning to film, where she discovered her talent for comedic roles. Known for her Southern accent and strong screen presence, she gained fame for performances in various movies, particularly in 42nd Street (1933) and is well-remembered for her fight scene with Marlene Dietrich in Destry Rides Again (1939). Merkel was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Summer and Smoke (1961).
Death and Legacy
Una Merkel passed away on January 2, 1986, in Los Angeles, California. She was laid to rest near her parents at Highland Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. Her contributions to film and theatre remain appreciated, and she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Bank Dick | 1940-11-29 | Myrtle Sousé |
| 42nd Street | 1933-03-11 | Lorraine Fleming |
| Road to Zanzibar | 1941-04-11 | Julia Quimby |
| The Bat Whispers | 1930-11-13 | Dale Van Gorder |
| The Maltese Falcon | 1931-05-23 | Effie Perrine |
| On Borrowed Time | 1939-07-07 | Marcia Giles |
| The Cat’s-Paw | 1934-08-07 | Petunia Pratt / Cobb |
| The Mad Doctor of Market Street | 1942-02-27 | Aunt Margaret Wentworth |
| The Mating Game | 1959-04-29 | Ma Larkin |
| Bundle of Joy | 1956-12-12 | Mrs. Dugan |
| This Is the Army | 1943-08-14 | Rose Dibble |
| Destry Rides Again | 1939-11-30 | Lily Belle |
| Summer and Smoke | 1961-11-16 | Mrs. Winemiller |