Iris, a striking blonde actress, left an indelible mark on the silver screen during the 1930s and 1940s. Despite her undeniable charm and charisma, her cinematic endeavors were often overshadowed by her extraordinary life story. At a tender age, she faced the devastating loss of both parents, leaving her to assume the responsibility of caring for her three younger siblings.
In her early teens, Iris embarked on a remarkable journey, working as a cashier at Loew's Theatre in Los Angeles to support her family. Her diligence and dedication eventually caught the attention of an associate of Samuel Goldwyn, who facilitated a screen test for her. After a successful audition, she joined the esteemed ranks of Goldwyn Girls, earning $125 per week.
In 1935, Iris transitioned to Fox as a contract player, though her roles remained largely limited to bit parts and walk-ons. It wasn't until she signed with Columbia Pictures under the guidance of boss Harry Cohn that her career truly began to flourish. Promoted to leading lady, Iris excelled in stereotypical sagebrush sagas and mystery potboilers, often sharing the screen with prolific actor Charles Starrett.
Her most notable collaboration was in the Columbia serial, The Green Archer (1940),an attempt to adapt Edgar Wallace's story, featuring Victor Jory as the unlikely hero. This marked the beginning of the end for Iris, as she went on to appear in a string of lesser-quality films for PRC (Producer's Releasing Corporation),one of the 'Poverty Row' studios. Sensing the decline of her career, Iris retired after marrying Columbia director Abby Berlin.
The latter half of Iris's life was marked by a courageous battle against oral cancer. Undergoing fourteen operations, which severely disfigured her face, she bravely fought on until the disease ultimately claimed her life at the age of 64.
