Anita Gordon

Anita Gordon was an American singer and actress whose career spanned the golden age of radio, the early years of television, and the classic era of Hollywood soundtracks, showcasing remarkable versatility and a voice that graced many memorable recordings. Born on December 21, 1929, in Corsicana, Texas, she moved with her family to Hollywood in October 1935, where a young Anita secured a role in The Pilgrimage Play and attended Mrs. Laskey's School for Professionals, laying the groundwork for a lifelong engagement with performance. By 1945 she had secured a three‑fold breakthrough, signing a film contract with 20th Century Fox, a radio contract with famed ventriloquist Edgar Bergen, and a recording contract with Columbia Records, positioning her at the nexus of mid‑century entertainment. Gordon’s off‑camera contributions included the iconic “I don’t talk to strangers” line on Buddy Clark’s 1946 hit “Linda,” the ethereal Golden Harp voice in Disney’s Fun and Fancy Free (1947), and later dubbing singing parts for stars such as Pamela Tiffin in State Fair (1962) and Jean Seberg in Paint Your Wagon (1969). On the airwaves she delighted listeners as a vocalist on The Chase and Sanborn Hour and appeared on numerous television programs including Death Valley Days, Gunsmoke, and The Bob Newhart Show, while also sharing the stage with Ray Noble’s orchestra and recording “It’s a Most Unusual Day” for Columbia. Her personal life featured two marriages—first to CBS executive Dale Sheets in 1948, with whom she raised three daughters, and later to airline executive El Chan in the 1970s—reflecting a balance of family and career. Anita Gordon passed away on May 10, 2015, in Newhall, California, leaving behind a legacy of vocal artistry that continues to echo through classic films and recordings.