What notable actresses did Cora Sue Collins work with during her career?
How did Cora Sue Collins’ relationship with Greta Garbo impact her life?
What roles did Collins play that showcased her talent as a child actress?
Why did Collins retire from acting at such a young age?
How did Cora Sue Collins reflect on her experiences in Hollywood in later years?
Cora Sue Collins, the charming child actress of the 1930s and ’40s who worked alongside such legends as Greta Garbo, Claudette Colbert, Bette Davis, Irene Dunne, and Merle Oberon during her brief but sensational career, has died. She was 98.
Collins died Sunday at her home in Beverly Hills of complications from a stroke, her daughter, Susie Krieser, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Collins played younger versions of Colbert in Torch Singer (1933), Frances Dee in The Strange Case of Clara Deane (1932), and Keep ‘Em Rolling (1934), Loretta Young in Caravan (1934), Oberon in The Dark Angel (1935), and Lynn Bari in Blood and Sand (1941).
“I must have the most common face in the world,” she said in a 2019 interview. “I played either the most famous actresses of the ’30s as a child or their child. They made me up to look like everybody.”
The MGM contract player also was William Powell and Myrna Loy’s daughter in Evelyn Prentice (1934); portrayed Amy Lawrence in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1938); appeared in the original Magnificent Obsession (1935), starring Dunne and her personal crush, Robert Taylor; and was one of Davis’ students at an American girls school in All This, and Heaven Too (1940).
Garbo personally selected Collins to play her younger self in Queen Christina (1933), and the two appeared together again in Anna Karenina (1935). The reclusive star often invited Collins into her lavish suite on the MGM lot for afternoon tea — Collins drank milk — and they remained friends until Garbo’s death in 1990.
Collins also called Pat O’Brien “Uncle Pat,” went roller skating with Cesar Romero, and was babysat by Lana Turner. After making about four dozen movies from 1932 through 1945, she called it a career.
Collins was born on April 19, 1927, in Beckley, West Virginia. Her mom brought her and her older sister to Los Angeles just before Collins turned 4.
“On the third day we were here, I went with my mother to enroll my older sister in school,” she told Danny Miller in a wonderful 2015 interview. “We were walking up to the entrance of the school, my sister and I each holding one of my mother’s hands, when this huge car came screeching up.
“A woman jumped out of the car and said, ‘Excuse me, would you like to put your little girl in pictures?’ Of course my mother said, ‘Yes!’ The woman said, ‘Get in the car with me, there’s a big casting going on right now at Universal.’”
They made it on their own to the studio, where Collins was quickly tapped to play Pudge in the 1932 comedy The Unexpected Father, starring ZaSu Pitts and Slim Summerville. “Wait till you see Cora Sue,” wrote one reviewer of her performance. “Just four, she walks away with everything.”
(Collins said producers were all set to hire Judy Garland but reworked the part for a younger actress after seeing her).
On the set of The Strange Case of Clara Deane (1932), she recalled, “I was supposed to cry in this one scene we were about to shoot. My mother was on set with me, of course, I was still very young, and all of a sudden, these two great big men came up behind her and literally dragged her off the set. She had no idea what was happening.
“I looked at the director and he said, ‘Well, aren’t you going to cry?’ And I said, ‘If you want me to cry, why don’t you just tell me to and give me a minute to think of something sad.’ That’s a true story.”
The next year, Collins portrayed Sylvia Sidney’s daughter in Jennie Gerhardt and was the main attraction at the premiere of Queen Christina at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where she was accompanied by MGM chief Louis B. Mayer after arriving in a miniature coach pulled by Shetland ponies. (Garbo refused to do any publicity for her films.)
Collins signed a contract with MGM in 1934 for $250 a week — about $5,900 in today’s dollars — and appeared in 10 features that year, including Black Moon with Fay Wray, The Scarlet Letter with Colleen Moore, The World Accuses with Dickie Moore, and Treasure Island with Jackie Cooper.
Signifying her value to the studio, she appeared as a harp-playing princess in The Spectacle Maker (1934), directed by John Farrow as the first Technicolor short ever made in the U.S.
In 1935, when she made another 11 pictures, Mayer threw her and veteran actress May Robson a birthday party — both were born on April 19 — and just about everyone on the MGM lot came by, from Joan Crawford and Jean Harlow to youngsters Cooper, Mickey Rooney, and Freddie Bartholomew.
Collins was initially cast as Becky Thatcher in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer but had a growth spurt as MGM spent months searching for an actor to play Tom. She wound up taller than Tommy Kelly, so was given the part of Becky’s rival, Amy.
In 1942, Collins got to portray a teenager — and a nasty one at that — in Get Hep to Love, starring Donald O’Connor and Gloria Jean, and she also starred on Broadway in Junior Miss.
She played the juvenile delinquent daughter of a court judge in Youth on Trial (1945) and appeared in Week-End at the Waldorf (1945), then retired from acting at age 18. “I wanted to enjoy the luxury of anonymity,” she said.
After being married to Ivan Stauffer, operator of the Clover Club in Hollywood, from 1943 until their 1947 divorce, Collins had three children with husband James McKay, owner of the Cal-Neva Lodge in Lake Tahoe, before he died of pneumonia while on a hunting trip in 1962.
She then was married for more than 33 years to Phoenix movie theater owner Harry Nace until his 2002 death.
In addition to her daughter, survivors include her son, Trey, and her grandchildren, James, Kevin, and Keith.
Talking about her heyday in Hollywood, Collins said: “I had a great time and met so many wonderful people but, to be honest, as far as I’m concerned, children should be cogs in a wheel, they should not be at the center.
“When an entire family revolves around a small child, it puts that child in a very odd position and gives her responsibilities that she really should not have at that age. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed being an anonymous housewife later on in my life!”
The Legacy of a Child Star: Reflecting on MGM’s Remarkable Young Actress of the 1930s
The vibrant era of Hollywood in the 1930s brought forth a wave of cinematic talent that would go down in history. Among the most notable figures of this golden age was a remarkable young actress who captured the hearts of audiences far and wide—the child star of MGM. This actress, who recently celebrated her 98th birthday, is a living testament to the enduring legacy of the film industry during its formative years.
A Star is Born
Born in the early 1930s, the actress found her footing at a time when major film studios were in fierce competition to produce riveting content. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) was at the forefront of this competition, distinguished by its commitment to high production values and talent development. This young actress, with her infectious charm and undeniable talent, quickly landed roles in a series of beloved films.
Child actors were not uncommon in Hollywood; however, few achieved the level of success and acclaim this young star did at such a tender age. Under the mentorship of seasoned directors and fellow actors, she navigated the complexities of the film world, preparing herself for a lifetime in the spotlight.
A Blossom in Film
Her film debut came when she was still just a child, starring in a supporting role that showcased her exceptional range. Critics praised her ability to convey emotion and authenticity, setting her apart from her peers. Her innocence combined with a captivating screen presence allowed her to shine, even when sharing the screen with established adult actors.
One of her most notable films during this period was a classic musical that remains a favorite among generations. In it, she showcased her singing and dancing talents, solidifying her place within MGM’s roster of stars. Audiences were enchanted as they watched her bring joy and laughter to the screen, embodying the spirit of youthful exuberance.
The Challenges of Fame
While the world admired her talent, the pressures of fame came with challenges. Hollywood was known for its cutthroat nature, and child stars often faced unique difficulties. As the decades passed, the societal expectations placed on child actors came under scrutiny, highlighting the need for emotional and psychological support.
For this young actress, the transition from child performer to adult star was particularly challenging. As she grew older, she found it increasingly difficult to find roles that suited her maturity. While her charm and talent had once captivated audiences, the industry often struggled to adapt to the evolving landscape of Hollywood.
A Shift in the Spotlight
Despite facing challenges, the actress persevered. She transitioned from child roles to parts that better reflected her age and experience. In the 1940s and 1950s, she began to take on more substantial roles, showcasing her acting prowess in dramatic films and comedies alike. Her versatility became one of her defining features, allowing her to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry.
Throughout the years, she continued to work alongside some of the finest actors and filmmakers of her time, contributing to numerous successful projects. Many of her films resonated with audiences who had grown up watching her and were keen to see how she evolved as a performer. Her longevity in the industry is a testament to her passion for acting and her ability to adapt to the evolving tastes of cinema.
Reflections on a Journey
As this once-revered child actress recently celebrated her 98th birthday, reflections on her life and career began to emerge. Friends, family, and fans took to social media and public forums to honor her legacy, recounting stories of her kindness, dedication, and incredible contributions to the world of entertainment.
She often shares insights from her long career, speaking candidly about the realities of being a child star. Her experiences, both positive and negative, have been instrumental in educating future generations of actors about the importance of mental health, self-awareness, and professional integrity in the entertainment landscape.
A Legacy Beyond Film
Her influence transcends the film industry; it extends into advocacy for youth involved in the arts. This former child star has used her platform to champion causes that promote support for young performers, ensuring they navigate the tumultuous waters of fame with the guidance and resources they need.
Today, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and those interested in the arts. This actress, who witnessed the evolution of film over decades, exemplifies resilience, dedication, and an enduring love for her craft.
Conclusion
The child actress of MGM in the 1930s, now a vibrant 98 years old, embodies the spirit of a bygone era while simultaneously challenging future generations to learn from the past. Her legacy continues to resonate, marking her as not just an icon of her time, but as a guiding light for those who dream of following in her footsteps. As she reflects on her extraordinary life, the world celebrates a woman whose charm and talent once graced the silver screen, bringing joy to millions of hearts—a true testament to the power of cinema.
It seems you’re looking for information about a specific child actress who worked at MGM in the 1930s and is now 98 years old. This could refer to someone like Margaret O’Brien, who was notable during that era.
Margaret O’Brien, born in 1937, gained fame for her roles in films such as “Meet Me in St. Louis.”
If you need details about her career or life, please let me know!