Veronica Lake was born Constance Frances Marie Ockleman on November 14, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents, Constance Charlotta Trimble and Harry Eugene Ockelman, moved to Florida when she was just a year old, and later returned to Brooklyn when she was five.
Tragedy struck when her father died in an explosion on an oil ship when she was just twelve. Her mother remarried Anthony Keane, and Connie took his last name. The family moved to Saranac Lake, where Connie enjoyed the outdoor life and flourished in various activities.
In 1934, her stepfather was diagnosed with tuberculosis, and the family moved to Miami, Florida. Connie graduated from high school there and her natural beauty, charm, and acting talent led her mother and stepfather to enroll her in the Bliss Hayden School of Acting in Hollywood.
Veronica's first film role was in the 1939 RKO film "Sorority House," followed by "All Women Have Secrets" and "Dancing Co-Ed." She continued her schooling while taking bit roles in "Young as You Feel" and "Forty Little Mothers." Prior to this time, she was still known as Constance Keane.
Veronica's breakthrough came with her role in "I Wanted Wings" (1941),which led to her name change to Veronica Lake. The film was a success, and she went on to star in "Hold Back the Dawn" and "Sullivan's Travels" in 1941. Her top-billed role in "This Gun for Hire" (1942) solidified her status as a leading lady.
Veronica's success continued with "So Proudly We Hail!" (1943) and "The Blue Dahlia" (1946),but her career began to decline with mediocre films like "The Hour Before the Dawn" and "Hold That Blonde!" Paramount eventually dropped her from their roster in 1948.
Veronica's last major film was "Slattery's Hurricane" in 1949. She struggled to find work and turned to television appearances and stage performances. By the 1960s, she was living in an old hotel and working as a bartender, struggling with addiction.
Veronica Lake died on July 7, 1973, at the age of 50, due to complications from hepatitis.
