Perhaps the most beautiful of Britain's exports to Hollywood, Carroll began her career in England in 1928 and was signed to a 20th Century Fox contract in 1936. She is best remembered as Hitchock's prototypical frosty blonde handcuffed to Robert Donat in "The 39 Steps" (1935) and as John Gielgud's co-spy in "The Secret Agent" (1936). Other smooth, aristocratic performances followed, including "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1937), perfectly matched with Ronald Colman, and kidding her image as "My Favorite Blonde" (1942). Carroll distinguished herself working with the Red Cross during WWII and later did a notable amount of stage work.
- Also Credited As:
Marie-Madeleine Bernadette O'Carroll
- Born:
February 26, 1906 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England
- Died:
October 2, 1987.
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Job Titles:
Actor, Hat model, French teacher
Education
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Birmingham University, England, French, BA
Milestones
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1927 Gave up teaching for acting career
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1927 Stage debut in "The Lash" in New Brighton
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1928 Film acting debut in "The Guns of Loos"
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1934 US film debut in John Ford's "The World Moves On"
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1936 Signed to 20th Century Fox contract
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1948 Appeared on NY stage in "Goodbye My Fancy"
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Active in Allied Relief Fund, United Seamen's Service and the American Red Cross during WWII; rgave up career to return to London where sister was killed in blitz