Winnie Lightner was an American actress known for her roles in “Gold Diggers of Broadway,” “The Life of the Party,” and “She Had to Say Yes.” Born on September 17, 1899, in Greenport, New York, she became famous for her vibrant on-screen performances during the early days of sound films.
Personal and Family Life
Winnie Lightner was born Winifred Josephine Reeves and grew up in Manhattan, New York. She had a diverse personal life with four marriages, including her marriage to director Roy Del Ruth. Together, they had a son named Thomas, who became a cinematographer. Lightner also had a son from a previous marriage named Richard.
Career Highlights
Known as Broadway’s “Song a Minute Girl,” Winnie became a leading star in Warner Bros. films. Despite her initial success, including hits like “Gold Diggers of Broadway,” her later roles were less glamorous, often relegating her to supporting parts. After leaving the film industry, Lightner seldom spoke about her past fame, preferring a private life with her family.
Death and Legacy
Winnie Lightner passed away on March 5, 1971, in Sherman Oaks, California, due to a heart attack. She is buried next to her husband Roy at Mission San Fernando in Southern California. Lightner’s legacy endures through her contributions to early sound cinema, particularly her groundbreaking performances.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| She Had to Say Yes | 1933-07-15 | Maizee |
| Gold Diggers of Broadway | 1929-08-30 | Mabel |
| Sit Tight | 1931-02-18 | Winnie |
| She Couldn’t Say No | 1930-02-15 | |
| Manhattan Parade | 1931-12-24 | Doris Roberts |
| The Life of the Party | 1930-10-25 | Flo |
| Side Show | 1931-09-19 | Pat |
| Gold Dust Gertie | 1931-06-27 | Gertrude Dale |
| Play Girl | 1932-03-12 | Georgine Hicks |
| Fragments: Surviving Pieces of Lost Films | 2011-04-03 | Herself (archive footage) |
| The Stolen Jools | 1931-04-04 | Winnie |
| Show of Shows | 1929-11-21 | Performer in ‘Pingo Pongo’ & ‘Singing in the Bathtub’ Numbers |
| Hold Everything | 1930-03-20 | Toots Breen |
| Dancing Lady | 1933-11-24 | Rosette LaRue |
| I’ll Fix It | 1934-11-10 | Elizabeth |
| An Intimate Dinner in Celebration of Warner Bros. Silver Jubilee | 1930-08-01 | Self |