From a tender age, this captivating individual was already making waves by winning numerous beauty contests, showcasing her natural charm and charisma. As a teenager, her striking features and rich, contralto voice led her to sing with prominent big bands, with Enric Madriguera's orchestra being a notable highlight at the iconic Latin Club Del Rio in Washington, D.C. It was during this time that she crossed paths with her first husband, Rudy Vallee, on the radio, where she also briefly pursued a singing career.
However, fate had other plans, and at just 15 years old, she suffered a life-altering attack of palsy, which left her face partially paralyzed. Despite this significant setback, she refused to let her circumstances define her. Through rigorous facial exercises, she managed to overcome the paralysis, and in the process, discovered the incredible power of facial expression in conveying human emotion. This skill, which she honed to perfection, would later become one of her most distinctive and enduring qualities as an actress.
