Miriam Nelson (born Miriam Lois Frankel;[1] September 21, 1919 – August 12, 2018) was an American choreographer, dancer, and actress. She choreographed many of Hollywood's Golden Age dance routines.
Miriam Nelson | |
---|---|
Born | Miriam Lois Frankel September 21, 1919 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Died | August 12, 2018 | (aged 98)
Occupation(s) | Choreographer, dancer, actress |
Spouses |
Career
editNelson first performed at Casa Manana in New York, where she danced with Van Johnson in the nightclub's revue. She debuted on Broadway in Sing Out the News (1938).[1]
Nelson was a contract performer with Paramount. She debuted on Broadway in 1938, and can be seen in 1944's classic film-noir Double Indemnity, and 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's, at Holly Golightly's party. She worked with stars like Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Doris Day, Ingrid Bergman, Fred Astaire and Bette Davis.[2] [3]
Personal life
editNelson was married to actor Gene Nelson from 1941 to 1956. In 2009, she published a biography, My Life Dancing with the Stars. She died on August 12, 2018, at the age of 98.[4]
Filmography
edit- Let's Face It (1943) as dancer
- Lady in the Dark (1944) as dancer
- Cover Girl (1944) as specialty dancer
- Double Indemnity (1944) as Keye's secretary
- Hail the Conquering Hero (1945) as tap dancer
- Duffy's Tavern (1945) as dancer
- Kitty (1945) as girl with St. Leger
- Masquerade in Mexico (1938) as party guest
- Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) as Harriet
Television credits
edit- Father Knows Best (1959) as Miss Harris (1 episode)
- Pete Kelly's Blues (1959) as Thelma Reegan (1 episode)
- The Untouchables (1959) as Grace Halloran (1 episode)
- Bronco (1960) as Emmy Coles (1 episode)
- U.S. Marshal (1960) as Polly Gregory (1 episode)
- Westinghouse Playhouse (1961) as Miriam (1 episode)
- Death Valley Days (1961) as Mrs. Clayton (1 episode)
- Mister Ed (1962) as Miss Canfield (1 episode)
- The Lucy Show (1965) as Miriam (1 episode)
- Mrs. Columbo (1979) as ballet instructor (1 episode)
References
edit- ^ a b Reiter, Susan (August 24, 2018). "Early TV, film choreographer". The Los Angeles Times. p. B 5. Retrieved October 12, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Legendary Hollywood Choreographer, Miriam Nelson". Dave Lackie. July 11, 2017. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ "Miriam Nelson, Dancer and Choreographer for 7 Decades, Dies at 98". The Hollywood Reporter. August 20, 2018. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
- ^ "Miriam Nelson, 98, Golden Age Dancer and Choreographer, Dies". The New York Times. August 17, 2018. Retrieved August 4, 2020.