Donna Damerel

Donna Damerel was an American actress whose career spanned vaudeville, radio, and film. Born in Chicago to vaudeville performers George Damerel and Myrtle Vail, she left home at 15 to join the chorus of a musical comedy, following in her mother's footsteps. She later joined her parents' vaudeville team, and when vaudeville declined, she and her mother turned to radio, creating the hit program Myrt and Marge in 1931. Damerel played the daughter, Marge, while her mother played Myrt.

A 1932 poll by a radio magazine named her radio's "it girl" based on looks, microphone personality, and voice, with 15,704 listeners participating. The duo also starred in the 1933 Universal film adaptation of their show. Damerel continued acting on stage, performing in Yes, My Darling Daughter in 1938. She was divorced from singer William J. Kretsinger in 1939 and at the time of her death was married to Peter J. Fick. She had two sons from previous marriages, one of whom became director and screenwriter Charles B. Griffith. Damerel died on February 15, 1941, shortly after giving birth to a son in Englewood Hospital in New Jersey. She was 28. The baby survived. Doctors said her health had appeared good when she entered the hospital.