Viola Essen was an American actress best known for her roles in Specter of the Rose and The Desert Song. She gained fame as a ballet dancer before transitioning to film and television.
Personal and Family Life
Viola Essen was born Elena Kolchagova on August 11, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was married to actor Gabriel Dell in the 1950s, and the couple had one child before divorcing. During her childhood, she made radio appearances, including on a children’s show at the age of three.
Career Highlights
Viola began her career in the performing arts as a ballerina and eventually starred in the Broadway musical Hollywood Pinafore. After signing with Republic Studios, she acted in one of their major films, Specter of the Rose, released in 1946. Despite receiving some critical praise, the film did not perform well at the box office, marking a downturn in her film career.
Death and Legacy
Viola Essen passed away on January 16, 1970, at the age of 44 from an overdose of sleeping pills. Her struggles in later life and premature death highlight the challenges that performers can face outside the limelight. Although her film presence was short-lived, her legacy as a ballet dancer and an actress remains notable.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Specter of the Rose | 1946-07-05 | Haidi |
| The Desert Song | 1955-05-07 | Azuri |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self – Dancer |