Marjorie Reynolds
Actor
About Marjorie Reynolds
Marjorie Reynolds, born Marjorie Goodspeed, was an American actress and dancer whose career spanned from the silent era through the Golden Age of Hollywood. She began performing as a child in silent films and transitioned successfully to talkies, showcasing her versatile talents as both an actress and singer. Her breakthrough came with her memorable performance in the 1942 musical 'Holiday Inn' where she starred alongside Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, famously singing 'White Christmas' with Crosby. Throughout the 1940s, she appeared in numerous films including 'The Time of Their Lives' with Abbott and Costello, establishing herself as a reliable character actress. Her career extended into television in the 1950s and 1960s, where she continued to find work in various series and made-for-TV movies. Despite never achieving top-tier stardom, Reynolds maintained a steady career in entertainment for over three decades, demonstrating remarkable longevity in a notoriously fickle industry.
The Craft
On Screen
Versatile performer known for her wholesome screen presence, musical abilities, and natural comedic timing. She excelled in both dramatic and light-hearted roles, often playing the girl-next-door type with warmth and sincerity.
Milestones
- Child actress in silent films
- Breakthrough role in 'Holiday Inn' (1942)
- Starred in 'The Time of Their Lives' (1946)
- Transition to television in 1950s
- Appeared in over 50 films throughout career
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (Motion Pictures)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Marjorie Reynolds made a significant contribution to American cinema history through her role in 'Holiday Inn,' particularly her involvement in the iconic 'White Christmas' sequence, which became one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time. Her performance helped cement the film's place in holiday tradition and demonstrated the importance of supporting actresses in musical productions. As a child star who successfully transitioned to adult roles, she represented the resilience and adaptability required for longevity in Hollywood's studio system era.
Lasting Legacy
Reynolds' legacy is primarily tied to her memorable performance in 'Holiday Inn,' which continues to be broadcast annually during the holiday season. Her ability to sing and dance alongside Hollywood legends like Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire showcased the versatility required of actresses during the Golden Age. While not a major star, her career represents the typical journey of many contract players who contributed significantly to Hollywood's output during its golden era.
Who They Inspired
Her work influenced subsequent generations of musical performers by demonstrating how supporting roles could become iconic through association with timeless songs. Her transition from child actor to adult performer provided a model for other young actors seeking to maintain careers beyond their early years.
Off Screen
Marjorie Reynolds was married twice during her lifetime. Her first marriage was to actor Jack Reynolds, whose surname she adopted professionally. After their divorce, she married Jon H. 'Jack' Hall, a real estate broker, in 1953, and they remained together until his death in 1975. She had no children from either marriage. In her later years, she lived a relatively quiet life away from the spotlight in California.
Education
Attended local schools in Bremerton, Washington; began acting career as teenager, no formal higher education known
Family
- Jack Reynolds (1936-1942)
- Jon H. Hall (1953-1975)
Did You Know?
- Originally performed 'White Christmas' in 'Holiday Inn' but her singing was dubbed by Martha Mears
- Began her career as a child actress in silent films at age 6
- Changed her professional name from Goodspeed to Reynolds after her first marriage
- Appeared in over 50 films during her career
- Was a competent dancer and singer despite some of her singing being dubbed
- Her role in 'Midnight Limited' (1940) was one of her early leading parts
- Worked extensively with Abbott and Costello in the mid-1940s
- Successfully transitioned to television work in the 1950s and 1960s
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to motion pictures
- Her performance in 'Holiday Inn' is still featured prominently in annual Christmas programming
In Their Own Words
I was never a big star, but I was always working, and that's what mattered in those days.
Working with Bing and Fred was like a dream come true for a young actress from Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marjorie Reynolds?
Marjorie Reynolds was an American actress and dancer who worked in Hollywood from the silent era through the Golden Age, best known for her role as Linda Mason in 'Holiday Inn' (1942) where she appeared alongside Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.
What films is Marjorie Reynolds best known for?
She is most famous for 'Holiday Inn' (1942), 'The Time of Their Lives' (1946) with Abbott and Costello, 'Midnight Limited' (1940), and various musical comedies throughout the 1940s.
When was Marjorie Reynolds born and when did she die?
Marjorie Reynolds was born on August 12, 1917, in Bremerton, Washington, and passed away on February 1, 1997, in California at the age of 79.
What awards did Marjorie Reynolds win?
While she didn't receive major acting awards, Marjorie Reynolds was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to motion pictures.
What was Marjorie Reynolds' acting style?
Reynolds was known for her wholesome screen presence, natural comedic timing, and versatility as both an actress and performer, often playing the girl-next-door type with warmth and sincerity.
Did Marjorie Reynolds really sing in 'Holiday Inn'?
Although Reynolds was a capable singer, her vocals in 'White Christmas' and other songs in 'Holiday Inn' were actually dubbed by Martha Mears, a common practice in Hollywood musicals of that era.
How did Marjorie Reynolds get her start in acting?
She began her career as a child actress in silent films at age 6, appearing in numerous shorts and features before successfully transitioning to talkies in the 1930s.
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Films
1 film
