Evelyn Pearl Shuck, professionally known as Evelyn Daw, gained widespread recognition for her starring role in the 1937 film "Something to Sing About", a musical comedy starring James Cagney. Notably, Cagney himself praised this film as his favorite musical performance, aside from "Yankee Doodle Dandy", many years after its release.
Evelyn Daw's personal life was marked by a marriage to Steward H. Smith, and she retired from the acting world to settle in San Diego for an extended period.
Born in Geddes, South Dakota, Daw began performing in public at the tender age of 10, appearing in numerous church and high school productions. She later attended South Dakota Wesleyan and Fresno State College in California, where she honed her skills.
Upon relocating to California, Daw sang minor roles with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Opera and delivered solo performances at St. James Episcopal Church and the Los Angeles Methodist Church. Under the guidance of singing coach Phoebe White, she refined her craft before being discovered by and mentored by Victor Schertzinger, who subsequently directed her in the aforementioned film "Something to Sing About".
Physically, Daw was characterized by her striking blue eyes and lyric soprano voice.
Evelyn Daw's family consisted of her father, Walter Milton Shuck (1876-1965),her mother, Edith Myrtle Miller Shuck (1881-1980),and her brother, Maynard Milton Shuck (1909-1958).
