Inez Courtney

Inez Courtney (March 12, 1908 – April 5, 1975) was a notable American actress who made her mark on both Broadway and in films. Born in New York City to a large Irish-American family, her journey into the world of entertainment began after the death of her father when she was only fifteen. This pivotal moment led her to pursue a career on stage, and by the age of sixteen, she gained recognition for her specialty dance performances, earning her the memorable nicknames St. Vitis, Mosquito, and Lightning.

Courtney's theatrical debut came in 1926 with the musical The Wild Rose. She quickly became a favorite among New York audiences, particularly for her role in the 1927 musical comedy Good News, which captured the spirit of college life. Other notable stage credits included Spring Is Here (1929) and America's Sweetheart (1931). In the early 1930s, she transitioned to Hollywood, where she appeared in 58 films between 1930 and 1940.

Her film career began with a request for help from Harry Cohn at Columbia Pictures, leading to her screen debut as Cousin Betty in Loose Ankles (1930). Throughout her filmography, she appeared in notable titles such as The Raven (1935), Suzy (1936), and The Shop Around the Corner (1940), which was her final film. Courtney was married to an Italian nobleman, gaining the title Marchesa, although she chose not to use it. She passed away at the age of 67 at the Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey.