Eleanore Whitney was an American actress who is best known for Rose Bowl, Timothy’s Quest, and Blonde Trouble. She was born on April 12, 1917, in Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away in November 1983 in New York City.
Personal and Family Life
Eleanore Whitney, originally named Eleanor Wittenberg, met famous tap dancer Bill Robinson when she was just ten years old. He admired her dancing skills and offered her lessons, which helped kickstart her career. In 1939, she married Frederick Backer, a former U.S. assistant Attorney, and they had one child together.
Career
Eleanore began her entertainment career in vaudeville, performing alongside stars like Jack Benny and Rudy Vallee. She signed with Paramount Pictures in 1935 and gained attention for her incredible tap-dancing skills, reportedly breaking the world record for the fastest tap-dancing at one point. Notably, she performed on Broadway in 1946 as Lucille Jourdain in ‘The Would-be Gentleman’.
Death and Legacy
Eleanore Whitney passed away in November 1983 in New York City. Though her film career was relatively brief, she left a mark on the entertainment industry with her exceptional talents and performances, especially in dance. Her contributions to both film and theater continue to be remembered by fans of classic cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rose Bowl | 1936-11-30 | ‘Cheers’ Reynolds |
| College Holiday | 1936-12-19 | Eleanore Wayne |
| Thrill of a Lifetime | 1937-12-03 | Betty Jane |
| Turn Off the Moon | 1937-05-14 | Caroline Wilson |
| Hollywood Boulevard | 1936-08-20 | Eleanor Whitney at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre |
| Clarence | 1937-02-12 | Cora Wheeler |
| Campus Confessions | 1938-09-23 | Susie Quinn |
| Blonde Trouble | 1937-08-06 | Edna Baker |
| Three Cheers for Love | 1936-06-26 | Skippy Dormant |
| Timothy’s Quest | 1936-01-31 | Martha |