Ilka Chase
Actor
About Ilka Chase
Ilka Chase was a multifaceted American entertainer who excelled as an actress, novelist, and television personality during Hollywood's Golden Age. Born into New York society as the daughter of Vogue magazine's editor-in-chief Edna Wolman Chase, she brought sophistication and wit to every role she undertook. Her film career began in the early 1930s with her notable debut in 'The Animal Kingdom' (1932), where she showcased her talent for sophisticated comedy and drama. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, she appeared in numerous films including 'Now, Voyager' (1942) and 'The Sea Hawk' (1940), often playing sharp-tongued society women or confidantes. Beyond acting, Chase became a successful novelist, penning several books including 'Free Admission' (1948) and 'The In-Betweens' (1958). She transitioned successfully to television in the 1950s, hosting her own talk show 'The Ilka Chase Show' and making frequent guest appearances on popular programs. Her career, which spanned over three decades, established her as one of Hollywood's most intelligent and versatile performers, equally comfortable on screen, in print, and on television.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for her sophisticated, witty, and articulate performances, Ilka Chase specialized in playing intelligent, sharp-tongued society women with impeccable timing and delivery. Her acting style was characterized by natural elegance, quick repartee, and an ability to convey complex emotions with subtle facial expressions and vocal inflections. She brought a unique blend of high society polish and down-to-earth relatability to her roles, making her characters both aspirational and approachable.
Milestones
- Film debut in The Animal Kingdom (1932)
- Published first novel 'Free Admission' (1948)
- Hosted 'The Ilka Chase Show' on television (1950s)
- Memorable role in 'Now, Voyager' (1942)
- Appeared on Broadway in multiple productions
- Became regular panelist on game shows in the 1960s
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ilka Chase represented the archetype of the intelligent, sophisticated Hollywood actress who could successfully transition between different media. As the daughter of a fashion magazine icon, she brought genuine society credentials to her roles, helping to define the image of the elegant, witty woman in 1930s and 1940s cinema. Her success as both a performer and author demonstrated the potential for multi-dimensional careers in entertainment, paving the way for future entertainers to pursue creative outlets beyond acting.
Lasting Legacy
Ilka Chase's legacy lies in her versatility and intelligence as a performer, her contributions to both literature and film, and her role in representing sophisticated femininity in Golden Age Hollywood. Her novels provided insight into the entertainment industry and high society, while her television work helped bridge the gap between old Hollywood and the new medium of TV. She remains remembered as one of the more intellectually formidable actresses of her era, whose wit and sophistication elevated every project she touched.
Who They Inspired
Chase influenced subsequent generations of actresses by demonstrating that intellectual pursuits and entertainment careers could coexist successfully. Her ability to write authentically about Hollywood life provided a template for future entertainment memoirs and novels. Her television work helped establish the format of the intelligent, articulate female talk show host, influencing later personalities in the medium.
Off Screen
Ilka Chase came from a prominent New York family; her mother Edna Wolman Chase was the influential editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine. She was married three times throughout her life: to actor Brown Meggs, to Dr. Ned Oldham, and to radio producer William C. Mooty. Despite her busy career, she maintained close relationships with her family and was known for her intellectual pursuits and literary interests. She spent her later years in Mexico, where she continued writing until her death in 1978 at age 72.
Education
Attended prestigious schools in New York City; studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Family
- Brown Meggs (1929-1935)
- Dr. Ned Oldham (1936-1946)
- William C. Mooty (1946-1978)
Did You Know?
- Was the daughter of Edna Wolman Chase, longtime editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine
- Spoke fluent French and Italian
- Published six novels during her lifetime
- Was a regular panelist on the popular TV game show 'To Tell the Truth'
- Appeared on Broadway in addition to her film work
- Was known for her elaborate dinner parties in Hollywood
- Her first novel 'Free Admission' was a semi-autobiographical account of her life
- Was a close friend of Bette Davis and appeared in multiple films with her
- Served as a war correspondent during World War II
- Was an accomplished painter in her later years
In Their Own Words
I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don't do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results.
Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.
Being the daughter of a famous mother is like being born with a mortgage on your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ilka Chase?
Ilka Chase was a versatile American actress, novelist, and television personality active during Hollywood's Golden Age. Born into New York high society as the daughter of Vogue's editor-in-chief, she appeared in numerous films including 'The Animal Kingdom' (1932) and 'Now, Voyager' (1942), while also publishing several novels and hosting her own TV show in the 1950s.
What films is Ilka Chase best known for?
Ilka Chase is best known for her roles in 'The Animal Kingdom' (1932), her film debut, 'Now, Voyager' (1942) alongside Bette Davis, 'The Sea Hawk' (1940) with Errol Flynn, 'In Name Only' (1939) with Cary Grant and Carole Lombard, and 'The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle' (1939) with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
When was Ilka Chase born and when did she die?
Ilka Chase was born on April 8, 1905, in New York City, and died on February 15, 1978, in Mexico City, Mexico, at the age of 72. She spent her final years in Mexico continuing her writing career.
What awards did Ilka Chase win?
While Ilka Chase did not receive major acting awards or Academy Award nominations, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the entertainment industry. Her greatest recognition came from her success as a published author and television personality.
What was Ilka Chase's acting style?
Ilka Chase was known for her sophisticated, witty, and articulate acting style, specializing in intelligent, sharp-tongued society women. Her performances were characterized by natural elegance, impeccable timing, and an ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety, bringing both high society polish and relatable humanity to her roles.
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Films
1 film
