Minna Gombell, a talented actress with a long and successful career on the stage, was born into a family of doctors and began her acting career in 1912. She quickly gained a reputation as a fast learner, able to read and comprehend a script in just a few hours, which served her well as an understudy early in her career.
Minna made her Broadway debut in 1913 in the play "Madam President" and went on to appear in numerous productions, often in comedic roles and always in leading parts. Her stage director husband, Myron C. Fagan, was also her frequent collaborator, and she appeared in several of his productions, including "Nancy's Private Affair" in 1930.
Minna began her film career in 1929 and quickly established herself as a versatile actress, capable of playing a wide range of characters. She was often typecast as a street-wise, tough-talking blonde, but she also played more dramatic roles, such as a conflicted and unhappy mother in "After Tomorrow" (1932) and a cold wife in "The Thin Man" (1934).
Minna's film career was marked by a series of memorable performances, including her roles as a brassy burlesque performer in "Stepping Sisters" (1932),a spunky wagon-line owner in "Doomed Caravan" (1941),and a tough nurse in "The Snake Pit" (1948). She also had occasional leads, such as her role as a gold-digger in "Bachelor's Affairs" (1932),opposite Adolphe Menjou.
Despite being an underrated actress, Minna Gombell brought a unique energy and charm to every film she appeared in, and her presence was often a highlight of the movie.
