Who Is Myrna Loy? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Myrna Loy was born on August 2, 1905, and passed away on December 14, 1993. At the time of her passing, she was celebrated as one of Hollywood's leading actresses, known for her roles in classic films during the 1930s and 1940s. Recognized for her distinctive beauty and versatile acting skills, Loy garnered critical acclaim for her performances in films like "The Thin Man" series and "Meet Me in St. Louis."
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 2, 1905 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Helena, Montana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 14 December, 1993 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Myrna Loy's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Myrna Loy stood at an impressive height of 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). Known for her striking features and elegance, her body measurements were reported to be approximately 35-25-35 inches. Loy maintained her glamorous appearance throughout her career, embodying the classic Hollywood starlet.
In 1921, Loy posed for Venice High School sculpture teacher Harry Fielding Winebrenner as "Inspiration"; the full length figure was central in his allegorical sculpture group Fountain of Education. Completed in 1922, the sculpture group was installed in front of the campus outdoor pool in May 1923 where it stood for decades.
Loy's slender figure with her uplifted face and one arm extending skyward presented a "vision of purity, grace, youthful vigor, and aspiration" that was singled out in a Los Angeles Times story that included a photo of the "Inspiration" figure along with the model's name—the first time her name appeared in a newspaper.
A few months later, Loy's "Inspiration" figure was temporarily removed from the sculpture group and transported aboard the battleship USS Nevada (BB-36) for a Memorial Day pageant in which "Miss Myrna Williams" participated. Fountain of Education can be seen in the opening scenes of the 1978 film Grease.
After decades of exposure to the elements and vandalism, the original concrete statue was removed from display in 2002, and replaced in 2010 by a bronze duplicate paid for through an alumni-led fundraising campaign.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Myrna Loy was married twice in her lifetime. Her first marriage was to actor and playwright Arthur Hopper in 1923, but they divorced in 1927. Her second marriage to producer and director Howland S. Chamberlain in 1936 lasted until their divorce in 1942. Although there were rumors and speculations concerning other romantic relationships, Loy never remarried after her second divorce and remained focused on her career.
Born in Helena, Montana, Loy was raised in rural Radersburg and Helena. She relocated to Los Angeles with her mother in early adolescence and trained as a dancer in high school. She was discovered by production designer Natacha Rambova, who organized film auditions for her. She began obtaining small roles in the late 1920s.
Loy devoted herself fully to acting after a few roles in silent films. She was originally typecast in exotic roles, often as a vamp or a woman of Asian descent, but her career prospects improved greatly following her portrayal of Nora Charles in The Thin Man (1934).
The role helped elevate her reputation and she became known as a versatile actress adept at both drama and comedy; she would reprise the role of Nora Charles five more times.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her death, Myrna Loy had accumulated a considerable net worth, of approximately $10 million. Her earnings throughout her career reflected her status as a leading actress in Hollywood, with numerous successful films and endorsements contributing to her wealth.
During this period, Loy was one of Hollywood's busiest and highest-paid actresses, and in 1937 and 1938 she was listed in the annual "Quigley Poll of the Top Ten Money Making Stars", which was compiled from the votes of movie exhibitors throughout the United States for the stars who had generated the most revenue in their theaters over the previous year.
Career, Business, and Investments
Myrna Loy's career spanned several decades, during which she became an integral figure in American cinema. Beginning her career in silent films, Loy transitioned successfully to talkies, showcasing her talent in various genres including comedies, dramas, and musicals. Beyond acting, she was a savvy businesswoman who invested in real estate. Additionally, she became an advocate for social issues, promoting women's rights and working against racial discrimination in Hollywood.
Loy left school at the age of 18 to begin to help with the family's finances. She obtained work at Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, where she performed in what was called prologues, elaborate musical sequences that were related to and served as preliminary entertainment before the feature film.
During this period, Loy saw Eleonora Duse in the play Thy Will Be Done, and the simple acting techniques she employed made such an impact on Loy that she tried to emulate them throughout her career.
Social Network
Although social media platforms as we know them did not exist during her lifetime, Myrna Loy's influence has extended into modern times. Her legacy is celebrated through various fan pages, online communities, and classic film discussions on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where users share tributes, vintage photos, and engage in discussions about her remarkable filmography.
Loy's performances peaked in the 1940s, with films like The Thin Man Goes Home, The Best Years of Our Lives, The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer, and Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House.
In the 1950s she appeared in a lead role in the comedy Cheaper by the Dozen (1950), as well as supporting roles in The Ambassador's Daughter (1956) and the drama Lonelyhearts (1958). She appeared in eight films between 1960 and 1981, after which she retired from acting.
Education
Myrna Loy attended the University of Southern California, where she studied drama and music. This educational background laid the foundation for her successful acting career, as she honed her craft and developed the skills that would later make her a star in the entertainment industry.
