A prolific Hollywood star of the golden age
SAN Francisco actress Mary Carlisle (104) played Bing Crosby’s love interest in a trio of films and appeared in more than 50 films in total during the 1930s.
She died at the Motion Picture Television retirement home in the Los Angeles suburb of Woodland Hills, a spokeswoman for the home said.
Carlisle starred opposite Crosby in Paramount’s College Humor in 1933 and in Double or Nothing (1937), as well as in Doctor Rhythm the following year.
She also appeared in Greta Garbo’s Grand Hotel (1932) and shared the screen with stars including John Barrymore, Buster Crabbe and Maureen O’Hara.
She retired from acting after appearing with George Zucco and Dwight Frye in the horror cult classic Dead Men Walk in 1943.
Carlisle was born Gwendolyn Witter in Boston on February 3, 1914, later moving to Los Angeles with her widowed mother.
After finishing high school, she appeared in uncredited roles, including turning heads in the Oscarwinning Grand Hotel as a giggling honeymooner.
She was married to actor and editor James Blakely from 1942 until his death in 2007.
After her celluloid career, Carlisle managed a Beverly Hills beauty salon.
She is survived by her son and two grandchildren.