Elizabeth Ann Cashen (née Gunst; February 2, 1929 – June 13, 2025), known professionally as Betsy Gay, was an American actress and country singer and yodeler.
Gay was best known as a child star in the 1930s and 1940s, appearing in the Hal Roach short film series Our Gang, and making appearances in around 40 feature films.
Early life Gay was born Elizabeth Ann Gunst in Waterford, Connecticut, to Charles and Helen Gay, who were also entertainers. They ran a music store and taught singing, piano, banjo, as well as violin, guitar, bass, steel guitar and accordion.
Career
Gay appeared in films, on television, and in radio shows. Her film career consisted mostly of bit-part roles during the Golden Age of Hollywood, such as Our Gang Follies of 1938 (1937), The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1938) and Mystery Plane (1939). Her final role was in 1943.
During her singing career, she worked with Dale Evans, Stuart Hamblen and Tex Williams. She won a yodeling competition in California two years in a row in the mid-1940s. She had several music recordings with labels such as Capitol Records and Decca Records.
Personal life and death Gay was married to Thomas Cashen from 1954 until his death in 2005. The couple had five children. She died on June 13, 2025, at age 96.
Filmography YearTitleRole1935The Pinch Singer (short)Broadway number performerArbor DayDancing girl1937When You're in LovePerforming arts studentNothing SacredGroup singing roleIt Happened in HollywoodSisOur Gang Follies of 1938 (short)Blonde girl fan of Alfalfa1938The Adventures of Tom SawyerSusie HarperCame the Brawn (short)Effie1939Mystery PlaneBetty Lou as a young girlThe Zero HourOrphanAt the CircusCircus midget1941Bachelor DaddyGirl at the movie1942How Spry I AmYoung girl1943What's Buzzin', Cousin?Saree
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