One of the most popular--and overworked--second-echelon leading ladies of the 1930s and 1940s, Ellen Drew was the daughter of a Kansas City barber. She came to Hollywood after winning a beauty contest, playing bits under her given name of Terry Ray until she was promoted to leads in 1938. A fixture of Paramount Pictures from 1938 through 1943, Drew appeared in as many as six films per year; among her leading men were Ronald Colman, William Holden, Basil Rathbone, Dick Powell, Robert Preston, George Raft, and even Jack Benny. She moved to Paramount's next-door neighbor RKO in 1944, then free-lanced in the 1950s. Ellen Drew retired from films in 1957, though her fervent fans continued to besiege her with letters of appreciation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Also Credited As:
Erin Drew, Terry Ray
- Born:
November 23, 1915 in Kansas City, Missouri
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Job Titles:
Actor, Elevator operator, Saleswoman, Waitress
Education
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Parker High School, Chicago, Illinois
Milestones
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1920 At age four, moved to Chicago with family (date approximate)
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1932 Following parents' separation, dropped out of high school at age 16, lied about her age and obtained a job in the accounting department at Marshall Field's
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1934 Won title of "Miss Englewood"; encouraged to try her luck in Hollywood
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1936 Film acting debut in bit roles, billed as Terry Ray
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1936 Signed by Paramount Pictures
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1938 First feature as Ellen Drew, the musical "Sing You Sinners"
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1938 Groomed for stardom by Paramount; name originally changed to Erin Drew and then Ellen Drew
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1938 Had breakthough dramatic role in "If I Were King"
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1940 Appeared in "Christmas in July"
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1946 Under contract with Columbia Pictures
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1997 Awarded star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
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Became a sales clerk at Grant's in the costume jewelry and baby clothing departments
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Born in Kansas City, Missouri
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Was befriended by character actor William Demarest who eventually aided her in obtaining a contract