Vera Ralston was an American actor best known for her roles in “Hoodlum Empire,” “The Fighting Kentuckian,” and “The Flame.” She gained popularity after moving from Czechoslovakia and had a career marked by both triumphs and challenges.
Personal and Family Life
Vera Ralston, born Vera Helena Hruba, was born on July 12, 1923, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. She was married twice, first to Herbert J. Yates from March 1952 until his death in February 1966 and later to Charles de Alva from June 1973 until her own death in February 2003. Throughout her life, she maintained a strong connection to her Czech heritage, which influenced her acting style.
Career Challenges
After finding some success as an ice skater, Ralston was brought to the United States by Republic Pictures, aiming to make her a leading actress similar to Sonja Henie. However, Ralston struggled with her limited English and a thick accent that affected her performances. Despite her efforts to improve and learn her craft, audiences often found it hard to accept her in leading roles.
Death and Legacy
Vera Ralston passed away on February 9, 2003, in Santa Barbara, California, after a battle with cancer. She left behind a unique legacy as an actress who transitioned from ice skating to film, despite facing many difficulties in her career. Her work continues to be remembered, and her story reflects the challenges faced by many immigrant artists.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Hoodlum Empire | April 15, 1952 | Marte ‘Marty’ Dufour Gray |
| Accused of Murder | December 21, 1956 | Ilona Vance |
| The Fighting Kentuckian | September 15, 1949 | Fleurette De Marchand |
| The Flame | November 24, 1947 | Carlotta Duval |
| I, Jane Doe | May 25, 1948 | Annette Dubois / Jane Doe |
| The Man Who Died Twice | June 6, 1958 | Lynn Brennon |
| Dakota | December 15, 1945 | Sandy Poli (Devlin) |
| Storm Over Lisbon | October 16, 1944 | Maria Mazarek, aka Maritza |
| Murder in the Music Hall | April 10, 1946 | Lila Laughton |
| The Notorious Mr. Monks | February 28, 1958 | Angela Monks |
| A Perilous Journey | April 5, 1953 | Francie Landreaux |
| The Lady and the Monster | April 17, 1944 | Janice Farrell |
| Jubilee Trail | May 15, 1954 | Florinda Grove |
| The Wild Blue Yonder | December 5, 1951 | Lt. Helen Landers |
| Surrender | September 15, 1950 | Violet Barton |
| Belle Le Grand | January 27, 1951 | Daisy Henshaw / Belle Le Grand |
| The Plainsman and the Lady | November 11, 1946 | Ann Arnesen |
| Fair Wind to Java | January 28, 1953 | Kim Kim |
| Timberjack | February 18, 1955 | Lynne Tilton |
| Angel on the Amazon | November 1, 1948 | Christine Ridgeway |
| Spoilers of the Forest | April 4, 1957 | Joan Milna |
| Wyoming | July 28, 1947 | Karen Alderson |
| Gunfire at Indian Gap | December 11, 1957 | Cheel Palmer |
| Lake Placid Serenade | December 23, 1944 | Vera Haschek |
| Ice-Capades | August 19, 1941 | Ice-Capades Skater |
| Týden v tichém domě | August 22, 1947 | Sieglová |
| Ice Capades Revue | December 24, 1942 | Vera Hruba – Ice-Capades Skater |