Elyse Knox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elyse Knox
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Knox in 1943
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| Born |
Elsie M. Kornbrath
December 14, 1917 Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Died | February 16, 2012 (aged 94) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Education | Traphagen School of Fashion |
| Occupation | Actress, model, fashion designer |
| Years active | 1937–1949 |
| Spouse(s) |
Paul Hesse
(m. 1942; div. 1943)Tom Harmon
(m. 1944; died 1990) |
| Children | Kristin Nelson Kelly Harmon Mark Harmon |
Elyse Knox (born Elsie M. Kornbrath) was an American actress, model, and fashion designer. She was born on December 14, 1917, and passed away on February 16, 2012. Many people know her as the mother of the famous actor Mark Harmon.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Elyse Knox was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Her parents, Hermine Sophie and Frederick Kornbrath, had moved to the U.S. from Austria. She also had a brother named Fred.
She attended Hartford Public High School and finished her studies there in 1936. After high school, she went on to study at the Traphagen School of Fashion in Manhattan, New York.
Becoming a Star: Elyse Knox's Acting Career
Elyse Knox started her acting journey in 1939. She first signed a movie contract with 20th Century-Fox. For about a year, she played smaller roles in films.
Later, she joined comedy producer Hal Roach. She appeared in four of his movies. After a few more roles, she found a home at Universal. There, she starred in 11 films as a young, charming actress.
Key Roles and Wartime Efforts
One of her most famous roles was with Lon Chaney Jr. in The Mummy's Tomb. This was a popular horror film from Universal Studios. During World War II, Elyse also helped boost morale. She appeared as herself in the 1944 film Follow the Boys. This movie was made to cheer up soldiers overseas and people at home. She was also featured in Yank magazine, which was published for the U.S. military.
Retirement from Acting
In 1945, Knox began playing Anne Howe. This character was the girlfriend of Joe Palooka, a fictional boxer from a popular comic strip. The first movie, Joe Palooka, Champ, was a big hit in 1946. Because of its success, Elyse starred in five more Joe Palooka films. After acting in 39 movies, she decided to retire in 1949. Her last film was the musical There's a Girl in My Heart.
Personal Life and Family
Elyse Knox married commercial photographer Paul Hesse on February 21, 1942. However, their marriage ended in divorce.
Later, she married Tom Harmon in 1944. Tom Harmon was a famous American football player. He had returned from World War II after surviving two plane crashes. Elyse's wedding dress was very special. It was made from the silk of the parachute Tom used when he had to jump out of his plane! After the war, they settled down in the Los Angeles area.
Elyse Knox's Children
Elyse and Tom Harmon had three children together:
- Kristin: She became an actress and a painter. At 17, she married musician Ricky Nelson. They had four children: Tracy, twins Gunnar and Matthew, and Sam.
- Kelly: She started as a model and then became an interior designer. She was once married to carmaker John DeLorean. Kelly has two daughters and a son, plus two stepchildren.
- Mark: He played quarterback for UCLA. Mark then became a very successful actor. He has two sons with his wife, Pam Dawber.
Later Years and Passing
Elyse Knox lived a long and full life. She passed away at her home in Los Angeles on February 16, 2012. She was 94 years old.
Images for kids
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Knox in 1943
