Jeanette Loff, born Janette Lov on October 9, 1906, in Orofino, Idaho, was a talented singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s.
Born to a Danish father, Maurice Lov, who was a successful violinist, Jeanette's family moved to Canada when she was a child. She developed a passion for music and studied at the Ellison-White Conservatory in Portland, Oregon, where she honed her skills as a singer.
At the age of 16, Jeanette landed a starring role in the operetta "Treasure Hunters" and went on to play the organ at local theaters in Portland. Her big break came when she made her film debut in the 1927 movie "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which caught the attention of director Cecil B. DeMille, who offered her a contract.
Jeanette quickly became one of Hollywood's busiest starlets, appearing in films such as "Annapolis," "Love Over Night," and "Hold 'Em Yale" in 1928. Her personal life was marked by a string of high-profile relationships, including with producer Paul Bern, songwriter Walter O'Keefe, and actor Gilbert Roland.
Jeanette's soprano voice was showcased in films like "King of Jazz" and "Party Girl," and by 1931, she was tired of playing ingénues and decided to take a break from making movies. She moved to New York City and starred in several Broadway shows.
Jeanette attempted a comeback with the 1934 drama "St. Louis Woman," but it was not a hit. She continued to appear in small roles, but her career eventually stalled. Her final film was the comedy "Million Dollar Baby."
In 1939, Jeanette married producer and liquor salesman Bert E. Friedlob, and the couple remained together until her untimely death on August 5, 1942, at the age of 35. While some believe her death may have been a suicide, her family disputes this, and the exact circumstances of her death remain unclear.
Jeanette is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, a testament to her legacy as a talented singer and actress who left an indelible mark on Hollywood's Golden Age.
