Cathy O'Donnell

Cathy O'Donnell
Born	Ann Steely July 6, 1923(1923-07-06) Siluria, Alabama, USA
Died	April 11, 1970 (aged 46) (cerebral hemorrhage brought on by cancer) Los Angeles, California, USA
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1945–1964
Spouse(s)	Robert Wyler (1948–1970) (her death)

Cathy O'Donnell (born July 6, 1923 – April 11, 1970) was an American actress, best known for her many roles in film-noir movies.

Early life

She was born Ann Steely in Siluria, Alabama. She attended Oklahoma City University and studied drama at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before beginning her career on stage and then movies.

Career

In 1945 while under contract with Samuel Goldwyn, she made her debut in an uncredited role as a nightclub extra in Wonder Man. The next year she had her first major role in The Best Years of Our Lives, playing Wilma Cameron, the high-school sweetheart of double amputee Homer Parrish, played by real-life World War II veteran/amputee Harold Russell.

She was loaned out to RKO for one of her most memorable films, They Live by Night starring with Farley Granger. The two actors later reteamed in 1950, for another movie, Side Street. Later Cathy starred in The Miniver Story, as Judy Miniver and also had a supporting role in Detective Story. She appeared as Barbara Waggoman, the love interest of James Stewart's character in the western The Man from Laramie.

Her final film role was in Ben-Hur, where she played the title character's sister Tirzah.

In the 1960s, she appeared in TV shows, playing mostly small parts on shows such as Perry Mason, The Rebel and Man Without a Gun. Her last screen appearance was in 1964, in an episode of Bonanza.

Personal life and death

In 1948 at 25 years old, she married the 48-year-old Robert Wyler, older brother of director William Wyler.

It is said that after William Wyler left Samuel Goldwyn Studio, Goldwyn insisted that she divorce her husband, when she refused, she was released from her studio contract. Cathy O'Donnell died of a cerebral hemorrhage brought on by cancer at the age of 46, on her 22nd wedding anniversary.

Partial filmography

• Wonder Man
• The Best Years of Our Lives
• They Live by Night
• The Amazing Mr. X
• The Miniver Story
• Detective Story
• The Man from Laramie
• The Story of Mankind
• Ben-Hur

External links

• Find-A-Grave profile for Cathy O'Donnell
• Cathy O'Donnell at the Internet Movie Database
• Cathy O'Donnell at Allmovie

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