Marilyn Hare (October 13, 1923 – October 9, 1981) was an American actress, singer, and television personality active from the late 1930s through the early 1960s. A daughter of radio star Ernie Hare, one half of the famed duo The Happiness Boys, she began performing as a teenager in radio before moving into motion pictures with Republic Pictures during the 1940s. Best remembered for her World War II morale-boosting “10,000 Kisses” campaign, Hare later became a popular figure in early Los Angeles television, hosting programs such as You're Never Too Old and True to Life Theater.[1]
Marilyn Hare was born in 1923, she was the daughter of singer Ernie Hare.[2] Following her father's death, she joined Billy Jones on the air to continue the duo's legacy. That broadcast gained the attention of film executives, who soon offered her a screen contract.[2]
Career
At the age 17, she was discovered while singing behind the scenes on the film Arkansas Judge when story editor Albert I. Cohen overheard her voice and offered her a screen test, Hare then signed with Republic Pictures.[3]
In early 1941, Hare was chosen as the “Fiesta Girl” of Los Angeles’ All-Winter Sun Festival, traveling to Calexico to crown festival maids and deliver perfumed candles from Olvera Street.[4]
During early 1942, Hare staged a morale stunt in which she vowed to kiss 10,000 soldiers at a California Army encampment near an aircraft plant. Standing on a soapbox, she sang “Kiss the Boys Goodbye” and by day's end had recorded 733 kisses on her “kissometer.” The story symbolized Hollywood's patriotic exuberance during the war.[1]
Following her film years, Hare transitioned into television and radio. She co-hosted the senior-talent program You’re Never Too Old on KNXT and KLAC with Harry Koplan beginning in 1953.[8][9]
In 1954, she began hosting True to Life Theater on Channel 13 (KCOP), a homemaking and entertainment series, often being praised as “a personality as friendly as Miss America and as natural as your next-door neighbor.”[10]
By 1960, Hare remained a familiar local television personality. She appeared at the Women's Division of the Democratic State Central Committee's “Tea Time With Marilyn Hare” program in Long Beach, honoring civic leadership among women.[11] She also had small roles on television series such as The Wild Wild West and My Three Sons.[1]
Personal life
Hare was married to director Joe Parker and they had two sons and a daughter together, Stephen, Christopher & Germaine Miles.[10][12]
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