Myrna Loy, a Hollywood legend

Today marks Myrna Loy's 107th birthday anniversary. We lost this beautiful and talented actress in 1993. I first saw Myrna in the movie "The Thin Man." It was love at first sight. Through this movie and the multiple sequels Nora Charles became synonymous with Myrna Loy. The Thin Man series, a 6 movie series, was Myrna's breakout performance. These films showed a different range, comedic deliverance.

Myrna's early films, which were silent films, she portray primarily femme fatales and usually of Asian or Eurasian background. It took many years for her to overcome this stereotype. In 1932 she was cast as villainous characters and then stared in some musicals. She soon became associated with musicals and when they began to lose favor with the public, her career went into a slump. In 1934 she was cast in Manhattan Melodrama opposite Clark Gable & William Powell and The Thin Man with William Powell rebooting her career and made her a household name.  Soon after she was cast in many important roles and films, Wife vs Secretary, Petticoat Fever, Libeled Lady, The Great Ziegfeld, Double Wedding and After the Thin Man. During this period Myrna became one of Hollywood's busiest and highest paid actresses.


She continued strong in both dramatic and romantic comedy roles, partnering with William Powell for 3 more films (one of my favorite Hollywood partnerships) before World War II. She left her acting and focused on the war effort working closely with the Red Cross. She was so strongly vocal against Hitler that she landed on his blacklist. She helped run a Naval Auxiliary Canteen and toured frequently to raise funds.

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

Once the war ended she returned to the sliver screen, opening with The Thin Man Goes Home. She followed that by playing the wife of a returning serviceman in The Best Years of Our Lives, which won 7 Oscars including Best Picture. Later on she states that this film was her proudest acting achievement. She continued to work strong through the 1950s starring in many memorable films,The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer, Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream House, Cheaper by the Dozen, and worked alongside many greats, Cary Grant, Clifton Webb. She worked sporadically after that with her last picture being in 1980, Just Tell Me What You Want.

Despite her star studded career she never was nominated for an Academy Award. Her contemporaries began an extensive letter writing campaign and took years of lobbying by the Writers Guild of America to right this wrong. In 1991 the Academy honored her with an Academy Honorary Award for her career achievement. She accepted via camera from her New York home simply stating, "You've made me very happy. Thank you very much." It was her last public appearance in any medium.


Myrna Loy was a strong, courageous and talented women. Overcoming breast cancer in 1975 & 1979, her strong involvement in the World War II efforts and her advocacy of rights for black actors and characters to be depicted with dignity on film are only a few things that line her great legacy. She has left a lasting and positive imprint on this world.

I've watched about half of her films and have loved everyone of them. If you haven't seen any of her work you are in for a treat. Pick up a copy of The Thin Man and enjoy her mastery of acting and her incredible chemistry with William Powell. You won't regret it!  


"Life, is not a having and a getting, but a being and a becoming." - Myrna Loy