Munson, Ona (1894–1955)

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Munson, Ona (1894–1955)

American actress and singer. Born Owena Wolcott, June 16, 1894, in Portland, OR; died Feb 11, 1955, from overdose of sleeping pills in New York, NY; m. Eddie Buzzell (director), 1927 (div.); m. Stewart McDonald, 1941 (div. 1947); m. Eugene Berman, 1949 (div. 1955).

At 4, made vaudeville debut on Northwest circuit; traveled with one of Gus Edwards' Kiddy acts for 10 years; at 18, appeared in title roles of Tip-Toes and No, No, Nanette on tour (1925); an ingenue star, replaced Louise Groody in "Nanette" on Broadway; starred in Broadway drama and musicals, introducing the song "You're the Cream in My Coffee" in Hold Everything (1927); was also seen in Manhattan Mary, Pardon My English, Hold Your Horses, Petticoat Fever and Ghosts; films include Going Wild, Wagons Westward, The Cheaters, Dakota and The Red House; best remembered for her performance as Belle Watling in Gone with the Wind; on radio, replaced Claire Trevor as Lorelie Kilbourne on "Big Town" (1940–42).