Saddle up for a trip through entertainment history with a weekly highlight from Santa Clarita’s Walk of Western Stars! This week, actress Rhonda Fleming.

Originally named Marilyn Louis, she was born in Hollywood, California on August 10, 1923. Notably her mother, Effie Olivia Graham, was a famous model and actress in New York.

Destined to become an actress, Louis started working as one during her schooling at the Beverly Hills High School, graduating in 1941. Well-known Hollywood agent, Henry Willson, discovered Louis at 16 years old and instantly signed her to a seven-year contract. Willson then changed her name to Rhonda Fleming.

Her acting career started off with smaller roles like “In Old Oklahoma” (1943) and “Since You Went Away” (1944) then she received her first considerable role in Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller “Spellbound” (1945). After the success of that film, Fleming received another thriller role in “The Spiral Staircase” (1946).

Fleming’s first appearance in a Western film was a supporting role in “Abilene Town” (1946). This would ultimately lead her to continue acting in Western movies such as the love interest in “The Eagle and The Hawk” (1950) and the title role in “The Redhead and The Cowboy” (1951).

When Fleming auditioned for the female lead in the musical “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” (1949), her singing ability was discovered. This movie was also the first time Fleming was in Technicolor which led to her being named the “Queen of Technicolor” for her red hair and her fair complexion.

Her career consisted of moving onto making films with Paramount and in the late 50s, Fleming continued appearing in Western movies such as “Tennessee’s Partner” (1955) and “Bullwhip” (1958).

Outside of her Hollywood actress life, she supported and worked for multiple charities, mostly for cancer care. She established the Rhonda Fleming Mann Clinic for Women’s Comprehensive Care at the UCLA Medical Center.

Fleming passed away on October 14, 2020 at the age of 97 due to complications from aspiration pneumonia.

Where is Rhonda Fleming’s plaque on the Walk of Western Stars?

Rhonda Fleming’s star is located on the eastern side of Main Street adjacent to the Old Town Tire & Auto Center.

Last week’s feature: Robert Horton

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