Bernice Claire

Bernice Claire (born Bernice Jahnigen; January 27, 1906 – January 17, 2003) was an American singer and actress. She appeared in 13 films between 1930 and 1938.

Early years She was born as Bernice Jahnigen (surname later mistranscribed as Janighen) to Adolph and Clara (née Sternitzky) Jahnigen in 1906 in Oakland, California. She had an elder brother, Earl. Her birth name is also sometimes found as Bernice Jahnigan.

An article in the June 18, 1950, issue of the Oakland Tribune reported, "It was in 1918 that she first appeared as a juvenile, a pert little one with curled tresses who made an immediate impression on all who saw and heard her perform at Eastbay theaters and at lodges and veterans' gatherings."

Career With a clear coloratura, Claire took to the stage performing light opera and had no difficulty singing demanding roles. In 1927, she appeared in her first vaudeville production.

Death On January 17, 2003, ten days before her 97th birthday, Bernice Claire died from pneumonia in her adopted hometown of Portland, Oregon, where she had lived for many years.

Filmography No, No, Nanette (1930) Spring Is Here (1930) Song of the Flame (1930) Numbered Men (1930) Top Speed (1930) Kiss Me Again (1931) The Red Shadow (1932) Moonlight and Pretzels (1933) The Flame Song (1934) Meet the Professor (1935) The Love Department (1935) Two Hearts in Harmony (1935) Between the Lines (1936) The Pretty Pretender (1937) Forget-Me-Knots (1938)