Person Biography:
Polly Bergen was a multi-talented singer/actress who had a career spanning over six decades. Born Nellie Burgin on July 14, 1930, in Knoxville, Tennessee, she began singing professionally on radio at the age of 14. She went on to become a nightclub and Columbia recording artist in the 1950s and 1960s, known for her film and Emmy-winning dramatic performances as well as her wry comedic gifts.
Bergen's early career was marked by her appearances in a series of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis films, followed by more serious roles in dramas such as "Escape from Fort Bravo" and "Cry of the Hunted". However, she was eventually overlooked and decided to abandon her film contract to pursue other opportunities.
In the 1950s, Bergen turned to television, focusing on her singing and promoting her albums on variety shows. She went on to have her own variety program, "The Polly Bergen Show", and also performed in nightclubs and on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in "John Murray Anderson's Almanac" alongside Harry Belafonte and appeared in other stage shows such as "Top Man" and "Champagne Complex".
Bergen's dramatic abilities were recognized with an Emmy award for her portrayal of Helen Morgan in the TV showcase "The Helen Morgan Story". She also appeared in a number of films, including "Cape Fear", "The Caretakers", "Move Over, Darling", and "Kisses for My President".
In the 1970s and 1980s, Bergen continued to work in television, appearing in a string of TV-movies and earning supporting Emmy nominations for her roles in "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance". She also returned to singing in the 1990s and went on to delight audiences on the New York musical stage with stand-out performances in "Follies", "Cabaret", and "Camille Claudel".
Throughout her career, Bergen was known for her versatility, wit, and charm, and was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. She was married three times and had two adopted children with her second husband, Freddie Fields. Bergen passed away on September 20, 2013, at the age of 84.
