Mitzi Green, also known as Mitze Green, was born Elizabeth Keno on October 22, 1920, in The Bronx. At the tender age of three, she began appearing in her parents' vaudeville act, laying the foundation for her future success in the entertainment industry.
As she grew older, Green's talent and charisma shone through, and she soon found herself starring in several popular films with Paramount Pictures. Her breakout roles included Tom Sawyer (1930) and Huckleberry Finn (1931),cementing her status as a rising star. She became known as "Little Mitzi," and her impressive performances earned her a multi-picture contract with Paramount, making her the first child star to achieve this milestone.
Green's natural talent for comedy and mimicry was undeniable, and audiences were in awe of her uncanny imitations of Greta Garbo and George Arliss. She also showcased her gifted singing voice in Girl Crazy (1932),performing two memorable songs. However, her career as a child star was not destined to last.
As Green matured, she was cast in an adult role in Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round (1934),marking the end of her career as a child star. She left Hollywood and spent the next several years performing on Broadway and in night clubs, solidifying her reputation as a talented performer.
Green's most notable achievement during this period was her starring role in the original Broadway production of Rogers' and Hart's Babes in Arms, where she introduced the classic song "My Funny Valentine." Although she appeared in only one film during this time, Santa Fe Trail (1940),in which she had a bit part, she continued to hone her craft and refine her skills.
After a lengthy hiatus from the big screen, Green re-emerged in 1952, starring alongside Abbott and Costello in Lost in Alaska. She also appeared in Bloodhounds of Broadway (1952) and the sitcom So This Is Hollywood (1955),in which she played a perceptive stunt woman.
After many years of retirement, Green passed away on May 24, 1969, at the age of 48, due to complications from cancer. She is buried in Eden Memorial Park Cemetery in Mission Hills, California, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile performer who captivated audiences throughout her long and storied career.
