Mitzi Green

Mitzi Green, born Elizabeth Keno in the Bronx on October 22, 1920, was a prominent figure in entertainment from a young age. At just three years old, she began performing alongside her parents in their vaudeville act. In the early 1930s, Green achieved significant recognition with Paramount Pictures, starring in beloved films such as Tom Sawyer (1930) and Huckleberry Finn (1931). Often referred to as "Little Mitzi," she made history as the first child performer to secure a multi-picture contract with the studio. Her remarkable comedic skills and ability to mimic celebrities like Greta Garbo and George Arliss captivated audiences. Additionally, Green showcased her singing talent in the musical Girl Crazy (1932), where she performed two songs.

However, her childhood fame was short-lived. By the age of 14, she transitioned to adult roles, starting with Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round (1934), signaling the end of her days as a child star. Following her departure from Hollywood, Green focused on Broadway and nightclub performances. Notably, she starred in the original Broadway production of Rogers and Hart's Babes in Arms, where she introduced the iconic song "My Funny Valentine." Green returned to film in 1940 for a minor role in Santa Fe Trail. Her adult film career began in earnest in 1952 with Lost in Alaska, featuring Abbott and Costello. She also appeared in Bloodhounds of Broadway (1952) and the sitcom So This Is Hollywood (1955). After a long absence from the spotlight, Green passed away from cancer on May 24, 1969, in Huntington Beach, California, at the age of 48. She rests at Eden Memorial Park Cemetery in Mission Hills, California.