Candy Toxton, a multifaceted individual, was born in Vienna, Missouri, but her early life took a dramatic turn when her family relocated to East St. Louis, Illinois, where she spent her formative years. Her educational background includes attendance at St. Teresa High School, from which she graduated and subsequently embarked on a modeling career in St. Louis.
Seeking new opportunities, Candy made the bold decision to move to Chicago, where she became involved with renowned band leader Tommy Dorsey. Her experiences in the Windy City, however, ultimately led her to the bright lights of New York, where she caught the attention of Frank Sinatra and Mel Tormé, two of the most iconic figures in the entertainment industry. It was during a date with Sinatra at the prestigious El Morocco Club that an agent from the Charles K. Feldman agency spotted her, convincing her to pursue acting lessons. This chance encounter marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in Hollywood.
Candy's early success in the film industry was marked by bit parts in six movies, which ultimately led to her signing a contract with Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures. Cohn, impressed by her talent, decided to change her stage name to "Susan Perry." However, her personal life was not without its challenges, as Cohn disapproved of her relationship with Mel Tormé, whom he deemed not prominent enough. Undeterred, Candy and Mel married in February 1949 in Mel's hometown of Chicago, with notable guests including Nat 'King' Cole, Peggy Lee, and Dorothy Kilgallen.
The couple settled in Bel-Air, California, where they welcomed two children, Steve March and Melissa Torme-March. Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end in 1955, and Candy soon after married Hal March, the host of the popular television game show, The $64,000 Question. This union produced three children: Peter, Jeffrey, and Victoria. After Hal's untimely death in 1970, Candy resided in Rancho Mirage, California, until her passing on December 28, 2005.
