Marian Nixon (born Marja Nissinen; October 20, 1904 – February 13, 1983) was an American film actress. Sometimes credited as Marion Nixon, she appeared in more than 70 films.
Career Born in Superior, Wisconsin, in 1904, to parents of Finnish descent, Nixon began her career as a teen dancing in choruses in vaudeville. She began appearing in bit part in films in 1922 and landed her first substantial role in the 1923 film Cupid's Fireman opposite Buck Jones. The following year, she was named a WAMPAS Baby Star. Nixon continued to work steadily throughout the mid to late 1920s appearing in Riders of the Purple Sage (1925), Hands Up! (1926), and The Chinese Parrot (1927). In 1929, she made her talkie debut as the lead in Geraldine. Later that same year, Nixon appeared opposite Al Jolson in Say It with Songs followed by General Crack in 1930. In 1931, Nixon's Beauty Arts Institute moved into the Equitable Building of Hollywood; Nixon was president of the company.
In 1932, she starred as Rebecca in the film adaption of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm with Ralph Bellamy. Following the release of Rebecca, Nixon co-starred in Winner Take All with James Cagney. The next year she had a supporting role in John Ford's Pilgrimage. In 1934, Nixon attempted to change her wholesome image with a role in the comedy We're Rich Again. The film was not a success and, after appearing in eight more films, Nixon retired from acting in 1936. She made her last film, Captain Calamity, at the age of 32.
Personal life Nixon was married four times. She married boxer Joseph Benjamin in 1925, but they divorced two years later. Then, on August 11, 1929, Nixon married Chicago department store heir Edward Hillman Jr. at his parents' home. That union ended in 1933. The following year, Nixon wed director William A. Seiter with whom she had worked on the film We're Rich Again. Their marriage lasted until Seiter's death in 1964 and produced three children: Christopher Seiter, Selena, and Jessica. Finally, on April 1, 1972, in Los Angeles, she married actor/producer Ben Lyon, although her obituary in the Chicago Tribune reports that she married Lyon in 1971.
Her grandsons are the screenwriters Ted Griffin and Nicholas Griffin, the sons of a daughter Nixon had with husband William Seiter.Marian Nixon, Finnish Hollywood , 25.brinkster.com
Death Nixon died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center of complications following open heart surgery on February 13, 1983, and is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California.
Recognition For her contribution to the motion picture industry, Nixon has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1724 Vine Street in Los Angeles, California. It was dedicated on February 8, 1960.
Filmography YearTitleRoleNotes1923RositaUndetermined Bit Role Uncredited The Shriek of ArabyMinor Role UncreditedBig DanDora Allen Cupid's FiremanAgnes EvansLost film1924The Vagabond TrailLou MaconLost filmThe Circus CowboyBird Taylor Lost filmJust Off BroadwayJean LawrenceLost filmThe Last of the DuanesRuth1925The Hurricane KidJoan LangdonCredited as Marion Nixon Durand of the Bad Lands Molly GoreLost film Riders of the Purple Sage Bess ErneThe Saddle HawkRena NewhallLost film I'll Show You the Town Hazel Deeming Let 'er BuckJacqueline McCall Credited as Marion Nixon; Lost filmWhere Was I?Alicia StoneThe Sporting LifeNora Cavanaugh 1926Hands Up!Maepreserved by the U.S. Library of CongressWhat Happened to JonesLucille BigbeeRolling HomePhyllisLost filmDevil's IslandRose Marie SpanglesSpangles Delancy 1927Heroes of the Night Mary Allen Down the Stretch Katie Kelly Out All NightMolly O'Day Lost film The Chinese ParrotSally Phillmore Lost filmTaxi! Taxi!Rose Zimmerman Lost filmThe AuctioneerRuth Levi Lost film1928The FourflusherJune Allen Out of the Ruins Yvonne GilbertLost filmHow to Handle Women Beatrice FairbanksLost filmJazz MadElsa HausmannRed LipsCynthia DayLost film1929The Rainbow ManMary Lane In the Headlines Anna Lou Anderson Lost filmYoung NowheresAnnie Jackson Lost filmGeraldineGeraldineMan, Woman and WifeBella Rogers / Helen BrandonSilks and SaddlesLucy CalhounThe Red SwordVeraLost filmSay It with SongsKatherine LaneShow of Shows PerformerGeneral Crack Archduchess Maria Luisa Silent version extant, sound version lost1930Scarlet PagesNora MasonEx-FlameLady CatherineLost filmThe Pay-OffAnnabelleThe Lash Dona Dolores DelfinoCourageMuriel ColbrookLost filmCollege Lovers Madge HuttonLost film1931SweepstakesBabe Ellis Women Go on ForeverBettyLost film A Private Scandal Mary Gate1932Charlie Chan's ChanceShirley MarloweAfter TomorrowSidney Taylor Winner Take AllPeggy HarmonAmateur DaddySally Smith Too Busy to WorkRoseMadison Square GardenBeeRebecca of Sunnybrook FarmRebecca 1933Best of EnemiesLena Schneider Chance at HeavenGlory Franklyn Credited as Marion NixonFace in the SkyMadgeDoctor BullMay TuppingPilgrimageMary Saunders1934Strictly DynamiteSylvia MontgomeryWe're Rich AgainArabella SykesBy Your LeaveAndree Embarrassing MomentsJane Once to Every Bachelor Natalie StuartThe Line-UpPeggy Arnold1935Sweepstake AnnieAnnie Foster Alternative title: Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore1936TangoTreasure McGuire The Drag-NetKatherine 'Kit' van BurenThe Reckless Way Helen RogersCaptain CalamityMadge Lewis
References
External links
Photographs of Marian Nixon