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Marsha Hunt
Marsha Hunt 1959.jpg
Marsha Hunt in 1959
Born
Marcia Virginia Hunt

(1917-10-17) October 17, 1917 (age 107)
Occupation Actress
Years active 1935–2008
Spouse(s) Jerry Hopper (1938-1945)
Robert Presnell Jr. (1946-1986) (his death) (1 child)

Marsha Virginia Hunt (born October 17, 1917) is an American actress who worked in movies, theater, and television. She was known for her roles in films like Johnny Got His Gun, Raw Deal, and Pride and Prejudice. In the 1950s, she faced a difficult time in Hollywood. She was put on a "blacklist," which meant many movie studios would not hire her. This happened because of her beliefs and her support for certain causes.

Who Was Marsha Hunt?

Marsha Hunt was a talented actress who had a long career. She appeared in over 50 movies and many television shows and plays. Even when she faced challenges, she continued to act and speak up for what she believed was right.

Early Life and Starting Out

Marsha Hunt was born Marcia Virginia Hunt on October 17, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois. Her family later moved to New York City. As a young girl, she was interested in acting and performing. She studied at the Horace Mann School for Girls. After finishing school, she began her career as a model. She also worked as a singer on the radio.

Becoming a Hollywood Star

Marsha Hunt started her movie career in the mid-1930s. She signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. She quickly became a popular actress, appearing in many films. She often played kind and intelligent characters. Some of her early movies included Born to the West (1937) and The Hardys Ride High (1939).

In 1941, she moved to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), one of the biggest studios at the time. This was a very successful period for her. She starred in films like Pride and Prejudice (1940), where she played Mary Bennet. She also appeared in Kid Glove Killer (1942) and The Human Comedy (1943). By the mid-1940s, she was a well-known face in Hollywood.

A Difficult Time: The Hollywood Blacklist

In the late 1940s and 1950s, a difficult period known as the "Hollywood blacklist" began. During this time, some people in the entertainment industry were accused of having certain political beliefs. If they were suspected, they could be put on a list and prevented from working. Marsha Hunt was one of the people affected by this.

She spoke out against the blacklist and supported her friends who were being unfairly treated. Because of her actions, she was also placed on the blacklist. This meant that major movie studios stopped offering her roles. It was a very challenging time for her career. She found it very hard to get acting jobs in Hollywood for many years.

Life Beyond Hollywood

Even though the blacklist made it difficult to work in movies, Marsha Hunt did not give up. She continued to act in plays on stage. She also found work in early television shows. This allowed her to keep using her acting talents.

Beyond acting, Marsha Hunt became very involved in helping others. She worked for many important causes. She supported organizations that helped people experiencing homelessness. She also worked with groups that helped refugees from different countries. She used her voice to speak about human rights and global issues. Her dedication to these causes showed her strong character.

Her Legacy

Marsha Hunt lived a long and impactful life. She is remembered not just for her acting roles but also for her courage. She stood up for her beliefs during a very tough time in Hollywood. Her story reminds us about the importance of fairness and speaking out against injustice. She continued to be active in humanitarian work well into her later years.

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