Diane Jergens | |
|---|---|
 Peter Brown and Jergens, 1959 | |
| Born | Dianne Irgens[1] March 31, 1935 |
| Died | October 9, 2018 (aged 83) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1946–1966 |
| Spouse(s) | Peter Brown (1958–1960; divorced) Randy Sparks (1962–2018; her death) |
| Children | 4 |
Diane Jergens (born Dianne Irgens; March 31, 1935 – October 9, 2018) was an American film and television actress.
Early years
Jergens was the daughter of Norman C. Irgens, an alderman in Minneapolis, and his wife.[3] In 1944, at age 8, she auditioned for two film studios in Hollywood and was asked to return to make a film.[4] In 1950, the family moved to Hollywood.[5] When Jergens was 16, she was a member of the Heidt Steppers dancing troupe, which was part of the Horace Heidt Show.[6] Soon after Jergens graduated from Hollywood High School, she performed as a singer on tour with composer Jimmy McHugh.[5]
Career
She made her screen debut in the 1946 film Ginger. She was featured in such 1950s films as The FBI Story with James Stewart and Desk Set starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Her other films included leading roles in High School Confidential and Island of Lost Women.[7] On television, she portrayed Francine Williams on The Bob Cummings Show in the 1955–1956 season,[8] and she had a recurring role on The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.[9] She also appeared on other TV shows such as Dragnet, The Danny Thomas Show, The Addams Family, and 77 Sunset Strip.
Personal life
Jergens was married to actor Peter Brown between 1958 and 1960.[2][10]
In 1962, she wed musician and songwriter Randy Sparks.[11] They had four children, Kevin Ray Sparks, Melinda Anne Sparks and Cameron Michael Sparks (twins), and Amanda Hamilton Sparks.[12] She died on October 9, 2018, aged 83, in Valley Springs, California.[13] [2]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Ginger | Diane | |
| 1947 | Beat the Band | Minor role | Uncredited |
| 1954 | The Bob Mathias Story[14] | Pat Mathias[15] | |
| 1955 | Daddy Long Legs | College Girl | Uncredited |
| 1956 | The Benny Goodman Story | Velma – Benny's Giggly Date | Uncredited |
| The Unguarded Moment | Girl in Hall | Uncredited | |
| Friendly Persuasion | Elizabeth – Quaker girl | Uncredited | |
| Teenage Rebel | Jane Hewitt | ||
| Three Brave Men | Shirley Goldsmith | ||
| 1957 | Desk Set | Alice | |
| 1958 | Sing, Boy, Sing | Pat Barry | |
| High School Confidential | Joan Staples | ||
| 1959 | Island of Lost Women | Urana | |
| The FBI Story | Jennie Hardesty | ||
| 1960 | Escape to Paradise | Catherine Hughes | |
| 1961 | Teenage Millionaire | Barbara 'Bambi' Price | |
| Espionage: Far East |
References
- 1 2 Benner, Millicent (August 29, 1973). "Her Glamor Formula is Simple—Just Hard Work". The Washington Post. pp. F7. ProQuest 149065726.
DIANE (real name Diane Irgens) was born in Minneapolis, Minn., and is of Norwegian and Hungarian extraction.
- 1 2 3 "Diane Jergens profile". Glamour Girls of the Silver Screen. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ↑ Carlson, Bill (July 21, 1944). "Divers, Callen Steal Follies Honors". The Minneapolis Star. Minnesota, Minneapolis. p. 15. Retrieved December 18, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Adams, Cedric (October 2, 1944). "In This Corner". The Minneapolis Star. Minnesota, Minneapolis. p. 20. Retrieved December 18, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 "TV Blonde Just 'Little Girl' to Proud Father". The Minneapolis Star. Minnesota, Minneapolis. June 14, 1955. p. 15. Retrieved December 18, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "(photo caption)". The Vancouver Sun. Canada. British Columbia, Vancouver. September 13, 1951. p. 21. Retrieved December 18, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Diane Jergens In New Film". The Evening Sun. December 19, 1957. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
- ↑ Brooks, Tim; Marsh, Earle (1999). The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present (7th ed.). New York: The Ballentine Publishing Group. p. 114. ISBN 0-345-42923-0.
- ↑ "Minneapolis Blonde Gets Movie Break". Star Tribune. Minnesota, Minneapolis. June 8, 1958. p. Picture section – P 22. Retrieved December 18, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Diane engaged". The Milwaukee Sentinel. May 21, 1958. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ↑ "New christy ministrels carry out multi-harmony, multi-instrumental mission". Boca Raton News. March 19, 2004. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ↑ Images, Historic. "1966 Press Photo Actress Diane Jergens with Her New Born Twins". Historic Images. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
- ↑ "Diane Jergens". Television Academy.
- ↑ Gwynn, Edith (June 8, 1954). "Hollywood". The Mercury. Pennsylvania, Pottstown. p. 4. Retrieved December 18, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Spotlight on Mathias' Tulare". The Bakersfield Californian. California, Bakersfield. Associated Press. June 11, 1954. p. 25. Retrieved December 18, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
External links
