Bernadene Hayes
Actor
About Bernadene Hayes
Bernadene Hayes was a versatile American actress and singer whose career spanned radio, stage, and the Golden Age of Hollywood. Born in Chicago, she began her performance journey at the age of nine in amateur productions before finding professional success as a singer at Loew's State Theatre in St. Louis. Her striking looks and vocal talent led to a successful stint in vaudeville and radio, where she was once named the most beautiful radio performer in America. After moving to Los Angeles, she transitioned into film, initially working as an extra before securing credited roles in major productions. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, she became a reliable supporting player, often portraying 'sassy' or sophisticated characters in crime dramas and musical comedies. Her career was marked by a steady presence in both B-movies and prestige films, and she remained active in the industry until her retirement in the mid-1950s.
The Craft
On Screen
Hayes was known for her 'sassy' and sharp-tongued delivery, often cast as the worldly-wise supporting female character. Her background in vaudeville and radio gave her a distinct vocal presence and a natural ease in musical comedy roles.
Milestones
- Named the 'Most Beautiful Radio Performer in America' in 1930
- Featured in the James Cagney crime film 'Great Guy' (1936)
- Portrayed the memorable character Faro Annie in 'North of the Rio Grande' (1937)
- Appeared in the classic film noir 'This Gun for Hire' (1942)
- Successful Broadway career with six major plays between 1935 and 1945
- Transitioned to television in the 1950s with roles in 'The Lineup' and 'Boston Blackie'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Named 'Most Beautiful Radio Performer in America' (1930)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Bernadene Hayes represented the quintessential 'working actress' of the studio system, moving seamlessly between uncredited bit parts and significant supporting roles. Her early recognition as a 'beauty of radio' highlighted the cross-media stardom that was emerging in the 1930s. She contributed to the visual and tonal landscape of the early film noir and crime genres, providing a grounded, often cynical female presence that balanced the high-stakes drama of her male co-stars.
Lasting Legacy
While not a top-billed leading lady, Hayes's legacy lies in her prolific output and her ability to sustain a twenty-year career across stage, screen, and airwaves. She is remembered by classic film enthusiasts for her roles in iconic 1930s crime films and her contributions to the early Dick Tracy film series. Her transition from a regional singer to a Broadway and Hollywood professional serves as a testament to the versatility required of performers during the Golden Age.
Who They Inspired
Her career path influenced other radio performers of the era to seek transitions into the burgeoning film industry in Los Angeles.
Off Screen
Hayes was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Hayes and grew up in a large family with three brothers and three sisters. She was educated at Yeatman High School and briefly attended Washington University before pursuing her entertainment career. In 1943, she married fellow actor William Leicester in Chicago, though the marriage ended in divorce in 1948. She was also noted as the sister of actress Lorraine Randall.
Education
Yeatman High School; Washington University (one semester)
Family
- William Leicester (1943-1948)
Did You Know?
- She began her performing career at the age of nine in amateur theatricals.
- Before fame, she worked in a department store during her high school vacations.
- She was a professional singer with Teddy Joyce and his band on a vaudeville tour.
- She was discovered by a radio station manager while performing at an exhibition in St. Louis.
- In 'Absolute Quiet' (1936), her character meets a dramatic end, dying in the arms of Louis Hayward.
- She appeared in several episodes of the early television western 'The Judge Roy Bean' in 1956.
- She is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.
- She was sometimes credited as 'Bernadine Hayes' in her film appearances.
In Their Own Words
I began performing in amateur productions when I was nine years old, and the stage was always where I felt most at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bernadene Hayes?
Bernadene Hayes was an American actress and singer active during the 1930s through the 1950s. She was well-known for her work in film noir, crime dramas, and as a popular radio personality.
What films is Bernadene Hayes best known for?
She is best remembered for her roles in 'Great Guy' (1936) alongside James Cagney, the film noir 'This Gun for Hire' (1942), and 'North of the Rio Grande' (1937).
When was Bernadene Hayes born and when did she die?
She was born on March 15, 1903, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on August 29, 1987, in Los Angeles, California.
Did Bernadene Hayes have a career outside of movies?
Yes, she was a highly successful radio singer and a Broadway actress, appearing in six major New York stage productions between 1935 and 1945.
What was Bernadene Hayes's acting style?
She was frequently cast in 'sassy' or worldly roles, utilizing a sharp, confident screen presence that made her a favorite for supporting roles in crime and musical films.
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Films
1 film
