Marlene Gaile English, later affectionately known as Marla, entered the world on January 4, 1935, in San Diego, California, to loving parents Bertha Lenore and Arthur H. English. Tragedy struck when Marla's mother fell ill in 1939, prompting friends of the family to take on a caregiving role, bestowing upon her the endearing nickname that would stick for the rest of her life.
As a young teenager, Marla's natural charm and beauty led her to begin modeling at the tender age of 12. Her burgeoning career in the world of fashion was complemented by her involvement with San Diego's esteemed Globe Theatre, where she became a member while still in high school. Marla's talents extended to the stage, with notable roles in productions of "Mad Woman of Chaillot" and "Cricket on the Hearth."
Throughout her early years, Marla seamlessly balanced her modeling and acting pursuits, ultimately catching the attention of Paramount Pictures in the fall of 1952. The renowned film studio signed her to a contract, paving the way for her to appear in five notable Paramount films.
