Wini Shaw

Wini Shaw

Deceased · Born: Feb 25, 1907 · Died: May 2, 1982

Personal Details

BornFeb 25, 1907 San Francisco, California, USA
Spouse
  • William O'Malley

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to May 2, 1982 )
  • Leo Cummins

    ( Sep 16, 1924 to Jun 22, 1935 )

Biography

Wini Shaw embarked on a remarkable journey in the entertainment industry, commencing her illustrious career as a child performer in her parents' vaudeville act. The year 1934 marked a significant milestone in her career, as she made her initial screen appearance in a Hollywood movie, subsequently securing a contract with Warner.

Throughout her tenure, Shaw's starring roles predominantly featured in minor films, yet she made a notable impression as a specialty singer, appearing in some of the studio's most prominent productions. Her most enduring legacy, however, lies in her iconic introduction of the Harry Warren-Al Dubin song "Lullaby of Broadway" in Busby Berkeley's cinematic masterpiece, Gold Diggers of 1935, released in 1935.

Interestingly, Shaw's musical endeavors extended beyond the silver screen, as she recorded a solitary album for Decca in 1935, with the recording taking place on February 28th of that year. Decca 408 remains a cherished artifact of her remarkable talent.

As the 1930s drew to a close, Shaw's screen career gradually faded into the background, leaving behind a lasting impression on the world of entertainment.

Career

1985
That's Dancing!
That's Dancing! as From 'Gold Diggers of 1935' (archive footage)
1947
Hollywood Wonderland
Hollywood Wonderland as Gypsy (clip from "Gypsy Sweetheart", 1935) (uncredited)
1944
Musical Movieland
Musical Movieland as Island Princess
1937
Smart Blonde
Smart Blonde as Dolly Ireland
Sons o' Guns
Sons o' Guns as Bernice Pearce
Satan Met a Lady
Satan Met a Lady as Astrid Ames
Broadway Hostess
Broadway Hostess as Winnie Wharton
Front Page Woman
Front Page Woman as Inez Cardoza
Page Miss Glory
Page Miss Glory as Beauty Shop Staff Member (uncredited)
1934
Cross Country Cruise
Cross Country Cruise as Singer on Bus (uncredited)
Gift of Gab
Gift of Gab as Cabaret Singer (uncredited)