Irene Hervey, a stunning blonde with dimple-cheeked charm, was initially tutored in acting by renowned English stage thespian Emma Dunn. As a student at Venice High School in Los Angeles, she gained experience in junior theatrical productions. Irene's formal training culminated at the M-G-M School of Acting, where she was subsequently signed as a contract player in 1933.
Throughout her early years at M-G-M, Irene was frequently loaned to other studios, initially assigned to bit parts before transitioning to co-starring roles in films such as The Girl Said No (1937) and Say It in French (1938). Notably, she was briefly engaged to Robert Taylor, an affair that was ultimately stifled by Louis B. Mayer, who deemed it detrimental to Taylor's career.
After a brief stint as a freelancer, Irene joined Universal in 1938, alongside her then-husband, actor/singer Allan Jones. She remained with the studio until 1943, during which time she appeared in notable films like Destry Rides Again (1939),alongside James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich. The 1940s saw Irene emerge as a leading lady in B-movies, starring in crime melodramas San Francisco Docks (1940) and Frisco Lil (1942),as well as adventure yarns like Bombay Clipper (1941) and Night Monster (1942).
A charming, intelligent, and likable actress, Irene was often compared to Myrna Loy by reviewers. However, she prioritized her family over her career, which may have prevented her from achieving A-grade picture success. In 1943, she was involved in a car accident that left her sidelined for five years. Upon her return to the screen, Irene transitioned to character roles, most notably as the sophisticated wife in the fantasy film Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid (1948).
From the 1950s, Irene focused on television work, securing a recurring role as Aunt Meg in the series Honey West (1965),alongside Anne Francis. She also made numerous guest appearances on popular shows like Peter Gunn (1958),Perry Mason (1957),Ironside (1967),and The Twilight Zone (1959). Irene was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance on My Three Sons (1960) in 1969. Her final film role was as radio station owner Madge Brenner in Play Misty for Me (1971).
Following her retirement from acting, Irene worked as a travel agent in Sherman Oaks, California. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard.
