Anecdotes

Served in the WAVES during WWII and arrived in Hollywood in post-war years.

Graduated from the University of Utah. A talented violinist, she was concert mistress for the University Symphony Orchestra.

Active in many charities, including UNICEF and The Children's Fund.

First TV appearance was as a contestant on Groucho Marx's You Bet Your Life (1950).

Appeared in a pilot for an hour-long Kingston Trio "dramedy" shot in Phoenix AZ in the early Sixties.

Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors Branch).

First daughter of Charles Cameron Backes, a salesman, and Lela Mayrine, both natives of Montana.

Served on the boards of AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), SAG (Screen Actors Guild), Theater West and Pioneer Broadcasters.

Played numerous dark-haired, matronly support roles on radio, stage, film and TV.