Vera Miles, a captivating and talented individual, was born in Boise City, Oklahoma, and spent her formative years attending school in Pratt, Kansas, and Wichita, Kansas. This patrician beauty's striking features earned her the esteemed title of "Miss Kansas" in 1948, leading to a series of small but significant roles in Hollywood films and television series.
As her career progressed, Miles attracted the attention of two visionary directors, Alfred Hitchcock and John Ford, who recognized her immense potential. Ford cast her in the classic western "The Searchers" (1956),while Hitchcock, who praised her as his "new Grace Kelly," paired her with the legendary Henry Fonda in "The Wrong Man" (1956). Miles' impressive performance in this film earned her a personal contract with Hitchcock, who subsequently cast her in the pivotal role of Judy Barton in "Vertigo" (1958).
However, Miles' pregnancy forced her to withdraw from the film, and she was subsequently cast in a supporting role in Hitchcock's "Psycho" (1960),alongside Anthony Perkins. Ford also continued to feature Miles in his films, including "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962),alongside John Wayne and James Stewart.
Throughout her career, Miles demonstrated her remarkable versatility by starring in a wide range of films, including "Beau James" (1957),opposite Bob Hope, "The FBI Story" (1959),opposite James Stewart, "Back Street" (1961),opposite Susan Hayward and John Gavin, and "Sergeant Ryker" (1968),opposite Lee Marvin. Her impressive range and talent also shone through in her numerous television appearances, including "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" (1962),"The Twilight Zone" (1959),"The Outer Limits" (1963),"The Fugitive" (1963),"My Three Sons" (1960),"Bonanza" (1959),"Columbo" (1971),and "Murder, She Wrote" (1984).
Miles' career was marked by a series of intriguing and enduring performances, although she often found herself underutilized. In 1983, she reprised her iconic role as "Lila Crane" in the film sequel "Psycho II," opposite Anthony Perkins. Miles eventually retired from the film industry in 1995, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and captivating Hollywood star.
