Betty Bryson

Betty Bryson (born Elizabeth Meiklejohn; October 5, 1911 – February 18, 1984) was an American film actress and dancer active during the 1930s and early 1940s.

She appeared primarily in musical and comedy films and was selected as one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars in 1934. While many of her roles were uncredited, Bryson was part of several major studio productions during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was the niece of actor Warner Baxter. Raised by her grandmother in the house where she was born, she attended Fairfax High School and later studied at finishing schools and the Pasadena Community Playhouse.

Bryson was frequently noted in the press for her resemblance to actress Janet Gaynor, a comparison she described as both flattering and professionally limiting. She also had roles in Kiss and Make-Up (1934), 365 Nights in Hollywood (1934), The Great Hotel Murder (1935), and Fiesta (1941), one of her few credited performances.

She appeared in the short promotional film Hollywood on Parade No. B-13 (1934) as herself, and her later credits include uncredited roles in Shine on Harvest Moon (1944) and Hollywood Canteen (1944).

Personal life On June 21, 1936, Bryson married choreographer and film director LeRoy Prinz in Yuma, Arizona. The couple’s elopement received national media coverage. Prinz, known for his choreography on major studio musicals, had previously served in the French Foreign Legion and had a colorful early career.

Later years and death After her final screen appearances in the mid-1940s, Bryson retired from the film industry and lived privately. She died on February 18, 1984, in Los Angeles, aged 72.

Selected filmography Year Title Role Notes 1933 Doctor Bull Actress Uncredited 1933 It's Great to Be Alive Dancer – Dutch Girl Uncredited 1933 I Loved You Wednesday Dancer Uncredited 1934 Kiss and Make-Up Salon Client Uncredited 1934 Young and Beautiful Herself WAMPAS Baby Star 1934 Hollywood on Parade Herself Short film 1934 365 Nights in Hollywood Showgirl Uncredited 1935 The Great Hotel Murder Irene Harvey Uncredited 1939 The Great Victor Herbert Ballerina Uncredited 1941 Fiesta Pancho’s Wife 1944 Shine On, Harvest Moon Soubrette Uncredited 1944 Hollywood Canteen Dancer Uncredited