Her first introduction to performing was as a singer, and she made her
concert debut with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Although widely
known for her talent, it was not until 1935 that she was given the
chance to succeed on a national level. In 1935, while performing at the
St. Louis Sangerfest, she was heard by composer Walter Damrosch.
Earlier, Damrosch had composed the opera The Man Without a County,
after hearing her he rewrote it to include a part for her. It was in
this opera that she premiered in 1937 at the New York Metropolitan
Opera. In the 1940s, she was the Met's leading Wagnerian soprano. She
did not limit herself to opera, however, and played parts in a few
movies, wrote several mystery novels, and became part-owner in the St.
Louis Browns baseball team. She never completely stopped performing,
making appearances on occasion throughout the rest of her life.
Gunn(1967)as Mother
Valentine's Day(1964)as Muriel Farrow, Muriel
The Ladies Man(1961)as Miss Helen N. Wellenmellon
The Bell Telephone Hour(1959)as Katisha
Deep in My Heart(1954)as Anna Mueller
The Jack Paar Program(1962)as Self
I've Got a Secret(1952)as Self - Guest Star
Here's Hollywood(1960)as Self
