Vivian Austin was an American actress best known for her roles in films such as Destiny, Philo Vance’s Gamble, and Moonlight in Vermont.
Personal and Family Life
Born Vivian Coe on February 23, 1920, in Hollywood, California, she was voted “Miss Hollywood” in 1943. Vivian was married twice; her first husband was Glenn Austin from 1936 until his death in 1967, and her second husband was Dr. Ken Grow, whom she married in 1968 and stayed with until his death in 1993. She struggled with significant health challenges, including kidney failure and eye problems, but eventually regained her sight thanks to her second husband.
Career
Before entering the film industry, Vivian gained experience in local theater groups. She signed a contract with Universal Pictures, which later cast her in various film genres like westerns and musicals. Her film career was ultimately cut short due to health problems that led to her early retirement.
Death and Legacy
Vivian Austin passed away on August 1, 2004, in Los Angeles, California, due to natural causes. Despite her health issues, she is remembered for her beauty and talent, as well as her contributions to early American cinema. Her journey through hardship and triumph continues to resonate with her fans today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Destiny | December 22, 1944 | Phyllis |
| Philo Vance’s Gamble | April 12, 1947 | Laurian March (as Terry Austin) |
| Philo Vance Returns | April 14, 1947 | Lorena Blendon Simms |
| She Gets Her Man | January 12, 1945 | Maybelle Clark |
| Adventures of Red Ryder | June 28, 1940 | Beth Andrews |
| Hi, Good Lookin’! | March 22, 1944 | Phyllis |
| Moon Over Las Vegas | April 1, 1944 | Grace Towers |
| Honeymoon Ahead | May 11, 1945 | Rosita |
| Night Club Girl | January 5, 1945 | Eleanor Kendall |
| Born to Speed | January 12, 1947 | Toni Bradley (as Terry Austin) |
| Boss of Boomtown | May 20, 1944 | Dale Starr |
| Trigger Trail | July 7, 1944 | Ann Cattlet |
| Twilight on the Prairie | April 30, 1944 | Sally Barton |
| Men in Her Diary | September 14, 1945 | Linda |
| Fired Wife | September 4, 1943 | Divorcee |
| Cobra Woman | May 12, 1944 | N/A |
| Moonlight in Vermont | December 24, 1943 | Brenda Allenby |
| Men Are Such Fools | June 15, 1938 | Nancy Sinclair (uncredited) |
| Stepchild | June 7, 1947 | Millie Lynne |
| Sing a Jingle | January 7, 1944 | Ann |
| T-Men | December 15, 1947 | Genevieve (uncredited) |