Ann Sothern (January 22, 1909 – March 15, 2001) was an Academy Award-nominated American film and television actress with a career spanning six decades.

Early life and career

Born Harriette Arlene Lake in Valley City, North Dakota, although she went to Central High School in St. Paul, Minnesota with classmate Edward Heimberger (later to become known as Eddie Albert), Sothern left home very young and began her film career as an extra in the 1927 film, Broadway Nights at the age of 18. During 1929 and 1930, she appeared as a chorus girl in such films as The Show of Shows and Whoopee! (as one of the "Goldwyn Girls"). She also appeared on Broadway and had a trained voice, occasionally singing in films.