Born and raised in Alabama, Ann Steely, later known as Cathy O'Donnell, had a humble beginning that would eventually lead her to stardom in Hollywood. She attended high school and college in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, before embarking on a career as a stenographer to finance her dream trip to Tinseltown. Her talent and charm did not go unnoticed, as she was soon spotted by a prominent talent scout, leading to her being signed to a contract by the renowned producer Samuel Goldwyn.
Recognizing her unique talent and captivating Southern accent, Goldwyn invested in her theatrical training at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts and elsewhere. He also bestowed upon her a winsome Irish stage name and cast her in the critically acclaimed film, The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). The film's massive success paved the way for Cathy's burgeoning career, and she soon found herself starring in the now-classic They Live by Night (1948).
However, her rapid ascent in the film industry was halted when she married 48-year-old producer Robert Wyler, the older brother of the accomplished director William Wyler, on April 11th, 1948. The sudden cancellation of her contract by the irate Goldwyn led to her having no lasting association with any studio or producer. Despite this setback, Cathy continued to impress audiences with her memorable roles in classic films noir, such as Detective Story (1951),where her sincere and sweet girl-next-door persona stood in stark contrast to the dark and gritty world of those films.
Her most iconic role came in the 1959 epic film, Ben-Hur, which cemented her status as a Hollywood legend. After the enormous success of Ben-Hur, Cathy transitioned to television, working on various projects until 1961. Her marriage to Wyler proved to be a happy and enduring partnership, despite being childless. Tragically, Cathy's life was cut short on April 11th, 1970, exactly 22 years after her wedding anniversary, due to a long and courageous battle with cancer.
