Veda Ann Borg

Veda Ann Borg (January 11, 1915 – August 16, 1973) was an American film and television actress who left an indelible mark on Hollywood’s golden era through a prolific career spanning more than three decades. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Swedish immigrant Gottfried Borg and Minna Noble, and her early exposure to modeling in New York and Boston provided a springboard into the entertainment industry in 1936. After signing a contract with Paramount Pictures, studio executives attempted to rebrand her as Ann Noble, but Borg fiercely defended her own name, arguing that it better reflected her personality, and she ultimately kept the name Veda Ann Borg. Over the course of her career she appeared in more than 100 films, ranging from classic dramas such as Mildred Pierce to lively comedies like Guys and Dolls, and she even portrayed the blind Nell Robertson in the 1960 epic The Alamo. Her television work began in the early 1950s, and she became a familiar face on series such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Bonanza, The Abbott and Costello Show, and Adventures of Superman, showcasing her versatility across genres. In 1939 Borg survived a severe car crash that required extensive facial reconstruction, yet she returned to the screen with undiminished vigor. Borg’s personal life included two brief marriages—to Paul Herrick in 1942 and to director Andrew V. McLaglen from 1946 to 1958—producing one son, Andrew Victor McLaglen II. Despite the challenges of a demanding industry, she remained active until 1963, after which she retired from acting. Borg succumbed to cancer in Hollywood in 1973 at the age of 58, and her ashes were scattered at sea, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, talent, and a remarkable body of work that continues to be celebrated by classic‑film enthusiasts.