Barbara Weeks | |
|---|---|
 As Ann Malone (1946) | |
| Born | October 27, 1906 Binghamton, New York, U.S. |
| Died | July 4, 1954 (aged 47) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Known for | Radio and stage actress |
| Spouse | Carl Douglas Frank (1938-1954) |
| Children | 1 |
Barbara Weeks (October 27, 1906 - July 4, 1954) was an American actress and voice talent in the Golden Age of Radio. She was best known for her work in soap operas. [1]
Weeks was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Weeks of Binghamton, New York. [2] Her parents were singers before her father started a music store. [3] "One of her ancestors, Mrs. Robert R. Jillson," was also an actress. [4] Weeks attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. [5]
A caption in a 1937 newspaper reported that Weeks' "radio career started in Mickey at the Circus and Roadways to Romance." [6] However, another source reported, "She made her radio debut as a vocalist on a Portland, Maine, station." [7] In June 1938, she had the lead role in an NBC broadcast of Anna Christie . [8]
Her only lead role in a continuing radio program occurred when she played the title character in Her Honor, Nancy James , which began on CBS October 3, 1938, [9] and continued through July 28, 1939. [10]
Weeks' roles as a regular cast member in radio programs included those listed in the table below.
| Program | Role |
|---|---|
| As the Twig Is Bent (We Love and Learn) [11] | Madame Sophie |
| Her Honor, Nancy James [10] | Nancy James |
| Howie Wing | Donna Cavendish [12] |
| Linda's First Love | NA [13] |
| Meet the Dixons | Joan Dixon |
| Now and Forever -- A Love Story | Ellen Harris [14] |
| The Open Door | Liza Arnold [15] |
| We Love and Learn | Sophie De Bellay [16] |
| Young Doctor Malone | Ann Malone |
Source: Radio Programs, 1924-1984, [17] except as noted.
Weeks also appeared in episodes of other programs, including Alias Jimmy Valentine , [5] Philip Morris Playhouse , [15] Mr. District Attorney, Theatre Guild of the Air, Mr. and Mrs. North, [3] The Good Will Hour, [18] Aunt Jenny's Real Life Stories , [19] and Colgate Theatre of Romance. [20]
Before venturing into radio, Weeks "was winning praise with stock companies." [6] After attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she "put in several years of stage trouping." [5] She appeared in at least five Broadway productions between 1927 and 1936, [21] including a revival of Lombardi Limited. [7]
Weeks was often confused for fellow actress Barbara Weeks, who mainly worked in film. At one time, both lived in New York, which meant that "Barbara-in-radio frequently gets mail and telephone calls intended for Barbara-in-the-movies." [22] The confusion even extended to some of the movie actress's relatives attending a performance of a touring stock company in which the radio actress appeared, expecting to see their cousin perform. [22]
On November 26, 1938, Weeks married actor Carl Frank, [23] who played her husband in Young Doctor Malone. [24] They also played husband and wife roles in Now and Forever -- A Love Story. [14] They had a daughter, Roberta, born September 24, 1940. [25]
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