What's After the Movie
Una Merkel
Una Merkel (December 10, 1903 – January 2, 1986) was an accomplished American stage, film, radio, and television actress. Born and raised in Covington, Kentucky, Merkel moved to New York in her early twenties and broke into the theater scene before transitioning to the silver screen in Hollywood in 1930. Highlights of her career include renowned performances in films such as 42nd Street and Destry Rides Again. Her talents were recognized with a Tony Award in 1956 and an Oscar nomination in 1961. She was equally adept at comedy and drama, with notable roles throughout the 1930s as both the sharp-tongued best friend and the vulnerable lead. Her Kewpie doll looks and witty line delivery endeared her to audiences, leading to regular appearances in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer productions, where she often starred alongside A-listers like Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard, and Jack Benny.
Merkel's career spanned almost five decades, with remarkable resilience and agility. After a lull in the 1940s, Merkel successfully reinvented herself as a character actress, winning critical acclaim for her roles as mothers and maiden aunts. In 1956, she won a Tony Award for her role in The Ponder Heart on Broadway, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. Further acclaim came in 1961 with a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Summer and Smoke. Her final film role had her star alongside the legendary Elvis Presley in Spinout in 1966. Despite personal hardships including a near-death experience and the tragic suicide of her mother, Merkel remained a dedicated actress throughout her life. Her contributions to the film industry have been commemorated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Una Merkel, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Una Merkel rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Una Merkel
Born: Covington, Kentucky, U.S.
Citizenship: United States
Birthday: December 10, 1903
Occupations: Stage actress, Film actress, Radio actress, Television actress
Years Active: 1920-1968
Spouses: Ronald Burla
External Links and Streaming Options
Explore more about on trusted external platforms like Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb or Wikipedia. Find additional details, reviews, and related content to deepen your understanding.
Movies Featuring Una Merkel
The Kentuckian
Bundle of Joy
The Parent Trap
42nd Street
Bombshell
True Confession
Road to Zanzibar
That’s Dancing!
James Stewart: A Wonderful Life
A Tiger Walks
Red-Headed Woman
The Merry Widow
Murder in the Private Car
Baby Face Harrington
Abraham Lincoln
Her First Mate
Spinout
Summer Magic
The Bat Whispers
One New York Night
The Merry Widow
The Women in His Life
My Blue Heaven
The Maltese Falcon
Golden Girl
Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back
The Kettles in the Ozarks
The Bride Goes Wild
Huddle
Paris Interlude
Whistling in the Dark
Don’t Bet on Women
Summer and Smoke
The Impatient Maiden
The Night Is Young
Broadway Melody of 1936
The Man from Texas
She Wanted a Millionaire
Born to Dance
The Secret of Madame Blanche
Twin Beds
Private Lives
I Love Melvin
Reunion in Vienna
Midnight Mary
Riffraff
The Cat’s-Paw
The Girl Most Likely
A Millionaire for Christy
Don’t Tell the Wife
Evelyn Prentice
They Call It Sin
Kill the Umpire
The Mating Game
Hollywood Goes to Town
With a Song in My Heart
Clear All Wires!
On Borrowed Time
Murder in the Fleet
Beauty for Sale
Four Girls in White
The Bank Dick
The Fuzzy Pink Nightgown
Daddy Long Legs
This Side of Heaven
Day of Reckoning
Rich, Young and Pretty
Saratoga
Hollywood: The Dream Factory
Man Wanted
This Is the Army
Menu
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Una Merkel, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1951
Golden Girl
Mary Ann Crabtree
A Millionaire for Christy
Patsy Clifford
Rich, Young and Pretty
Glynnie
1935
Baby Face Harrington
Millicent
One New York Night
Phoebe
The Night Is Young
Fanni Kerner
Broadway Melody of 1936
Kitty Corbett
Murder in the Fleet
'Toots' Timmons
1934
Murder in the Private Car
Georgia Latham
The Merry Widow
Queen Dolores
Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back
Gwen
Paris Interlude
Cassie
The Cat’s-Paw
Petunia Pratt / Cobb
Evelyn Prentice
Amy Drexel
This Side of Heaven
Birdie
1933
42nd Street
Bombshell
Her First Mate
Hattie
The Women in His Life
Miss 'Simmy' Simmons
Whistling in the Dark
Toby Van Buren
The Secret of Madame Blanche
Ella
Reunion in Vienna
Ilsa Hinrich
Midnight Mary
Bunny
Clear All Wires!
Dolly Winslow
Beauty for Sale
Carol Merrick
Day of Reckoning
Mamie
Menu
Mrs. Omsk (uncredited)
1932
Red-Headed Woman
Sally
Huddle
Coach Malcolm
The Impatient Maiden
Betty Merrick
She Wanted a Millionaire
Mary Taylor
They Call It Sin
Dixie Dare
Man Wanted
Ruth 'Ruthie' Holman
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.