Muriel Florence Bendelson, professionally known as Midge, was a renowned actress and model who made a lasting impact in the early days of television. Born in the Bronx, New York, Midge's career in the entertainment industry spanned over five decades, with her most notable work as a leading lady in the 1950s and 1960s.
Midge's journey in the entertainment industry began as a photographer's model, appearing in fashion ads and on the cover of over 100 popular magazines, including Esquire. Her striking features and captivating personality earned her the title "the girl with the trimmest torso" in 1953, and she was selected as 'Miss No-Cal' to promote a high-profile beverage company on billboards and in printed media.
Before her rise to fame, Midge had already been signed by Universal-International and had appeared in a few films, primarily playing background roles. Her sole featured performance for the studio was in The Prince Who Was a Thief (1951),a swashbuckler set in medieval Tangiers, where she starred alongside Tony Curtis.
Midge's breakthrough role came in the 1960s, when she landed a leading role as an aspiring Broadway dancer in All Woman (1967),a drama that showcased her versatility as an actress. The film, however, received limited attention and is now largely forgotten.
Midge's television career was more successful, with her most notable role as the spirited love interest of Tony Young's post-Civil War military intelligence operative in the off-beat CBS western series Gunslinger (1961). Although the show was cancelled after just 12 episodes, Midge continued to guest star in various TV shows, including The Virginian (1962),The Beverly Hillbillies (1962),and Serpico (1976).
Following her retirement from screen acting in 1980, Midge dedicated herself to community service, volunteering at the Motion Picture and Television Retirement Community in Woodland Hills, California. Her tireless efforts earned her The President's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Midge was married three times, including to actor Arthur Batanides and writer/director David Moessinger. Her life and career serve as a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for the entertainment industry.
Personality Biography:
Muriel Florence Bendelson, also known as Midge, was a stunning brunette with a captivating presence that left a lasting impression on the early days of television. Born in the Bronx, New York, Midge's journey in the entertainment industry began as a photographer's model, with her striking features and captivating personality earning her the title "the girl with the trimmest torso" in 1953.
With a career spanning over five decades, Midge's work in television was marked by her spirited performances and versatility as an actress. Her most notable roles include her leading role as an aspiring Broadway dancer in All Woman (1967) and her guest appearances in various TV shows, such as Gunslinger (1961),The Virginian (1962),and Serpico (1976).
Midge's dedication to community service following her retirement from screen acting in 1980 is a testament to her compassion and commitment to giving back. Her tireless efforts earned her The President's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Throughout her life, Midge was married three times, including to actor Arthur Batanides and writer/director David Moessinger. Her life and career serve as a reminder of her passion for the entertainment industry and her dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
