Rita Johnson

Rita Johnson

Deceased · Born: Aug 13, 1913 · Died: Oct 31, 1965

Personal Details

BornAug 13, 1913 Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Spouse
  • Edwin Hutzler

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 31, 1969 )
  • Stanley Kahn

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Dec 31, 1969 )

Biography

Rita Johnson's life began on August 13, 1913, in Worcester, Massachusetts, a city rich in cultural heritage. Her early years were marked by a strong affinity for the performing arts, which ultimately led her to enroll at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music. After honing her craft through summer stock productions, Johnson took her talents to the bright lights of Broadway in 1935. With her remarkable versatility, she effortlessly transitioned between diverse roles, captivating audiences and solidifying her status as a talented actress of her time. However, a devastating accident in 1948, in which a hair dryer fell on her head, resulted in severe brain damage. Despite undergoing brain surgery, Johnson's career was forever altered, and her screen appearances became increasingly scarce. Her life came to a close on October 31, 1965, at the Los Angeles County General Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of a remarkable 52 years.

Career

1957
All Mine to Give
All Mine to Give as Katie Tyler
1956
Emergency Hospital
Emergency Hospital as Head Nurse Norma Mullen
1954
Susan Slept Here
Susan Slept Here as Dr. Rawley
1950
The Second Face
The Second Face as Claire Elwood
1948
An Innocent Affair
An Innocent Affair as Eve Lawrence
Family Honeymoon
Family Honeymoon as Minna Fenster
The Big Clock
The Big Clock as Pauline York
1947
They Won't Believe Me
They Won't Believe Me as Greta Ballentine
Michigan Kid
Michigan Kid as Sue Dawson
The Perfect Marriage
The Perfect Marriage as Mabel Manning
1945
The Naughty Nineties
The Naughty Nineties as Bonita Farrow
Pardon My Past
Pardon My Past as Mary Pemberton
Thunderhead: Son of Flicka
Thunderhead: Son of Flicka as Nelle McLaughlin
1943
My Friend Flicka
My Friend Flicka as Nell McLaughlin
1942
1941
Here Comes Mr. Jordan
Here Comes Mr. Jordan as Julia Farnsworth
Appointment for Love
Appointment for Love as Nancy Benson
Maisie Was a Lady
Maisie Was a Lady as Undetermined Secondary Role
1940
Edison, the Man
Edison, the Man as Mary Stilwell
Forty Little Mothers
Forty Little Mothers as Marian Edwards
Congo Maisie
Congo Maisie as Kay McWade
1939
Within the Law
Within the Law as Agnes Lynch
Stronger Than Desire
Stronger Than Desire as Barbara Winter
Broadway Serenade
Broadway Serenade as Judith 'Judy' Tyrrell
Honolulu
Honolulu as Cecelia Grayson
6,000 Enemies
6,000 Enemies as Anne Barry
1938
The Girl Downstairs
The Girl Downstairs as Rosalind Brown
Smashing the Rackets
Smashing the Rackets as Leticia "Letty" Lane
Rich Man, Poor Girl
Rich Man, Poor Girl as Sally Harrison
Man-Proof
Man-Proof as Florence (dialogue scenes deleted)
1937
London by Night
London by Night as Patricia Herrick
My Dear Miss Aldrich
My Dear Miss Aldrich as Ellen Warfield