Judy Malcolm: Movies & Filmography

Judy Malcolm, born Marguerite Westergren on December 1, 1910, in Buffalo, New York, was an American film actress whose career spanned the golden age of Hollywood shorts and feature films. Her journey into entertainment began at the tender age of 16 when she won a local contest in Buffalo for most closely resembling silent film star Sally O'Neil, earning $50 in prizes that she intended to use to pursue her dreams in Hollywood or New York. Before transitioning to film, Malcolm established herself as a talented dancer and comedienne in the vibrant world of vaudeville and burlesque, where she developed a memorable comedic partnership with rubber-faced comedian Gus Schilling that would define much of her early career. Their signature routine involved Schilling standing on stage only to have Malcolm suddenly appear and deliver a sharp slap across his face while shouting the punchline, "How dare you look like somebody I hate!" which became a beloved running gag in their performances. This distinctive act showcased her talent for physical comedy and timing that would serve her well in the emerging world of cinematic short subjects. In 1943, Malcolm secured a contract with Columbia Pictures as a contract player in short subjects, marking a pivotal moment in her film career that would make her recognizable to generations of comedy fans. She became a familiar face in numerous Three Stooges short subjects, delivering memorable performances in classics such as G.I. Wanna Home, No Dough Boys, and particularly Micro-Phonies where she played the radio-station receptionist with perfect comedic timing. Beyond her comedic work, Malcolm also performed dangerous stunt work, most notably serving as a stunt double for Fay Wray in the original 1933 King Kong, where she executed the perilous jump from the cliff into the river. Throughout her career, she appeared in approximately 25 films between 1933 and 1951, frequently collaborating with Schilling and Richard Lane in their comedy series after helping bring Schilling to producer Jules White's attention. Malcolm retired from motion pictures in 1951 after nearly two decades in the industry, and she passed away on July 22, 1998, in East Aurora, New York, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of physical comedy and character acting that continues to entertain audiences today.