Wilma Francis, a talented actress born Wilma Francis Sareussen on November 26, 1917, in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Her journey in the entertainment industry began at the tender age of eighteen in 1936, when she signed with Paramount Pictures as a starlet. Over the years, she appeared in several films, often taking on minor roles with occasional opportunities to play second leads. During the 1940s, Wilma worked as an assistant to the renowned director, Sam Wood, and made her last billed appearance in a motion picture in his 1945 film, "Guest Wife".
Although she continued to work in the industry, Wilma's appearances were less frequent, and she eventually transitioned to television. Her final unbilled part was in the 1970 film, "Airport". As the years went by, Wilma returned to her native New Orleans in the 1960s, where she remained active in local theater. In the 1970s, she took her passion for the performing arts to the next level by opening a casting office in the city. This venture allowed her to supply local talent for roles in films and television productions shot on location in the area.
Wilma Francis passed away on June 23, 1991, at the age of 73, following lung surgery. Despite her untimely passing, her legacy as a talented actress and her contributions to the entertainment industry continue to be celebrated.
