Una Merkel
Actor
About Una Merkel
Una Merkel was a beloved American character actress whose career spanned four decades of Hollywood's Golden Age. Born in Kentucky, she began her career in silent films after being discovered while working as a stand-in for Lillian Gish. Merkel successfully transitioned to talkies with her distinctive high-pitched voice and rapid-fire delivery, becoming one of Hollywood's most reliable comic actresses. She specialized in playing wisecracking best friends, feisty sidekicks, and eccentric supporting characters, often stealing scenes from her more famous co-stars. Her breakthrough came in the early 1930s with roles in major productions like '42nd Street' and 'The Merry Widow.' Despite never becoming a leading lady, Merkel's consistent performances earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for 'Summer and Smoke' (1961). She appeared in over 100 films before retiring in the late 1960s, leaving behind a legacy as one of cinema's most memorable character actresses.
The Craft
On Screen
Una Merkel was known for her distinctive high-pitched voice, rapid-fire comic delivery, and ability to play both sassy and vulnerable characters. Her acting style combined physical comedy with sharp verbal wit, often playing the wisecracking best friend or eccentric relative. She had a unique talent for stealing scenes with minimal screen time, using her expressive face and impeccable timing to maximum effect. Merkel could seamlessly transition between comedy and drama, bringing depth to supporting roles that might otherwise be one-dimensional.
Milestones
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Summer and Smoke, 1961)
- Breakthrough role in 42nd Street (1933)
- Memorable performance in The Merry Widow (1934)
- Transition from silent films to talkies
- Over 100 film appearances across four decades
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Summer and Smoke, 1961)
Nominated
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Summer and Smoke, 1961)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (6201 Hollywood Blvd)
- Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award consideration
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Una Merkel represents the essential role of character actresses in Hollywood's Golden Age, demonstrating how supporting players could become audience favorites through consistent, memorable performances. Her ability to transition from silent films to talkies set an example for other actors facing the challenges of new technology. Merkel's distinctive comic style influenced generations of character actresses who followed, showing that supporting roles could be just as impactful as leads. Her work in musicals particularly helped define the genre's comic relief archetypes, and her performances continue to be studied by film scholars as examples of perfect comic timing.
Lasting Legacy
Una Merkel's legacy endures as one of Hollywood's most recognizable and beloved character actresses. Her Academy Award nomination late in her career brought renewed appreciation for her decades of consistent work. Film historians consider her a master of comic supporting roles, with her performances in films like '42nd Street' and 'The Merry Widow' remaining classics of the genre. Merkel proved that character actors could build lasting careers without ever becoming stars, and her influence can be seen in the work of later character actresses who specialized in comic roles. Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ensures her contribution to cinema remains permanently recognized.
Who They Inspired
Una Merkel influenced generations of character actresses through her distinctive comic style and ability to elevate supporting roles. Her rapid-fire delivery and unique voice inspired performers like Eve Arden and Thelma Ritter. Younger actors studied her technique for stealing scenes with minimal screen time. Merkel's success in both comedy and drama showed character actors the importance of versatility. Her career longevity demonstrated that reliable character work could sustain a career far longer than leading lady status, influencing how many actors approached their careers in Hollywood's studio system.
Off Screen
Una Merkel was known for her down-to-earth personality and dedication to her craft despite never achieving stardom status. She was married twice but had no children. Her first marriage to Ronald Burla ended in divorce, and she later married Jack H. Y. Burrus, a Los Angeles businessman. Merkel was known for her close friendships with other Hollywood character actors and her generosity toward younger performers. She spent her later years quietly in Los Angeles, occasionally appearing in television roles before fully retiring.
Education
Attended local schools in Covington, Kentucky; no formal dramatic training, learned through experience in silent films
Family
- Ronald Burla (1932-1939)
- Jack H. Y. Burrus (1945-1950)
Did You Know?
- Began her career as a stand-in for Lillian Gish
- Her distinctive voice made her one of the few silent film stars who successfully transitioned to talkies
- She appeared in over 100 films during her career
- Despite her comic reputation, she received her only Oscar nomination for a dramatic role
- She was often typecast as the 'sassy best friend' to leading ladies
- Merkel was known for her professionalism and reliability on set
- She appeared in both stage and television productions later in her career
- Her birth year was often listed incorrectly as 1905 in early film references
- She was a favorite of director Busby Berkeley for musical numbers
- Merkel never had children but was known to be very close to her nieces and nephews
- She continued working well into her 60s, unusual for actresses of her era
- Her role in 'Baby Face' (1933) was controversial for its time due to the film's adult themes
In Their Own Words
I never wanted to be a star. I wanted to be an actress, and there's a difference.
In the old days, if you were a character actor, you worked all the time. You were never out of work.
I learned early that you don't have to be the star to be remembered.
Comedy is serious business. You have to be very smart to be funny.
The best part about being a character actress is that you can play so many different kinds of people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Una Merkel?
Una Merkel was a prolific American character actress known for her distinctive high-pitched voice and comic timing. She appeared in over 100 films during Hollywood's Golden Age, often playing wisecracking best friends and eccentric supporting characters. Though never a leading lady, she became one of cinema's most recognizable character actors.
What films is Una Merkel best known for?
Una Merkel is best known for her roles in '42nd Street' (1933), 'The Merry Widow' (1934), 'Private Lives' (1931), 'Baby Face' (1933), 'The Bank Dick' (1940), and 'Summer and Smoke' (1961), for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Her work in musicals and comedies particularly showcased her talents.
When was Una Merkel born and when did she die?
Una Merkel was born on December 10, 1903, in Covington, Kentucky, and died on January 2, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 82. Her career spanned from the late 1920s through the 1960s, making her a true veteran of Hollywood's Golden Age.
What awards did Una Merkel win?
Una Merkel received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her dramatic role in 'Summer and Smoke' (1961). While she didn't win the Oscar, this nomination late in her career brought critical recognition for her decades of consistent work. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Una Merkel's acting style?
Una Merkel was known for her distinctive high-pitched voice, rapid-fire comic delivery, and impeccable timing. She specialized in playing sassy, wisecracking characters but could also handle dramatic roles effectively. Her acting style combined physical comedy with sharp verbal wit, allowing her to steal scenes even with limited screen time.
How did Una Merkel start her career?
Una Merkel began her career as a stand-in for actress Lillian Gish, which led to her discovery by Hollywood talent scouts. She started in silent films in the late 1920s and successfully transitioned to talkies, one of the few silent era actors whose distinctive voice actually helped rather than hindered her career change.
Did Una Merkel work with any famous directors?
Yes, Una Merkel worked with many legendary directors including Busby Berkeley in musicals like '42nd Street', Frank Capra in early films, and Ernst Lubitsch in 'The Merry Widow'. Her versatility made her a favorite among directors who needed reliable comic relief in their productions.
Learn More
Films
2 films
