Jane Adams (actress, born 1918) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Poni Adams
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Adams in 1952
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| Born |
Betty Jane Bierce
August 7, 1918 San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
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| Died | May 21, 2014 (aged 95) Palm Desert, California, U.S.
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| Other names | Jane Adams Betty Jane Turnage |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1942–1953 |
| Spouse(s) | L.C.H. Smith (m. 1940; d. 1942) Thomas Turnage
(m. 1945; died 2000) |
| Children | 2 |
Betty Jane Bierce, known by her stage name Jane "Poni" Adams, was an American actress. She appeared in radio shows, movies, and television during the 1940s and 1950s. She was born on August 7, 1918, and passed away on May 21, 2014.
Early Life and Education
Jane Adams was born in San Antonio, Texas. When she was two years old, her family moved to California. During her high school years, she learned to play the violin and studied drama. She was chosen to be the lead violinist for the Los Angeles all-city high school orchestra.
She earned a full scholarship to the famous Juilliard School for music. However, she decided to turn it down. Instead, she spent several years studying acting at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Acting Career Highlights
After her time at the Pasadena Playhouse, Jane Adams began her acting career. She got her start on a radio show called Lux Radio Theatre. Later, she joined the Harry Conover Modeling Agency. It was there that she was given her unique nickname, "Poni."
People often thought she got the name "Poni" because she loved horses. But Jane Adams herself said she didn't know why they gave her that name. She returned to using her real name, Jane Adams, in 1945. Interestingly, military members helped her choose her new name. In 1946, a photo of her was published with the caption: "GI JANE — Jane Adams — formerly Poni Adams — holds some of 32,851 letters her press agent said came from GIs after she appealed for aid in choosing a new name."
Jane Adams' first movie appearance was in a short film called So You Want to Give Up Smoking in 1942. She is perhaps best known for her role as Nina in the horror movie House of Dracula (1945). She also has a special place in history for acting in early versions of two major DC Comics stories. She played Vicki Vale in the second Batman series, Batman and Robin. She also appeared in the very first Superman television series.
Personal Life
On July 27, 1940, Jane Adams married Ensign J.C.H. Smith. He was an officer in the United States Navy. Sadly, he went missing during World War II when his ship sank in 1942. He was officially declared dead in 1943.
On July 14, 1945, in Hollywood, California, she married Thomas K. Turnage. He was an Army lieutenant who became a respected major general. Turnage fought in the Korean War and received important awards like the Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star. He later led the Veterans Administration. Jane Adams and Thomas Turnage had two children together.
Jane Adams passed away on May 21, 2014, at the age of 95. She was buried as Betty Jane Turnage next to her husband at Arlington National Cemetery.
See also
In Spanish: Poni Adams para niños
