Grace Bradley

Grace Bradley, one of the few actresses who kept her given name, was born on September 21, 1913 in Brooklyn, New York. She attended The Eastman School of Music and wanted to become a professional pianist, but also studied voice and dance. Her first professional gig was on Broadway in the 1930 production of Ballyho, and it was followed by numerous nightclub and stage appearances. Hollywood was the logical next step.

Grace's first film was an uncredited part in 1932's Tip Tap Toe, but 1933 saw her in a featured role in Too Much Harmony. Bing Crosby was the film's star. In the 1930's she was in 30 films including Girl Without A Room (1933), Harold Lloyd's The Cat's Paw (1934), Stolen Harmony (1935) starring George Raft, Anything Goes (1936) with Crosby again and Ethel Merman, Wake Up and Live (1937), Larceny on the Air (1937), and The Big Broadcast of 1938.

Things really changed in May 1937. Grace went on a blind date and met Hopalong Cassidy star William Boyd. They were married the following month, her first marriage and his fifth (and last). She was 23 and he was 42. They remained married for 35 years until his death in 1972. Grace continued to act after the marriage, but her career was not heading anywhere and after five films in the early 40's, she retired from the screen. She remained active however, traveling and helping promote her husband's Hopalong Cassidy films, television shows and personal appearances. She was quoted as saying, "I made a point of being in the background. As far as the kids were concerned, Hoppy was Hoppy. He didn't have a wife or family. When the young ones would ask, "Who are You?," I'd say, "I'm Hoppy's mommy."

Lastly, as often featured as a nightclub performer or possible other woman type, Grace had some interesting character names. They included Verne La Mond, Nada, JoJo La Vern, Flossie, Trixie La Brey, Bonnie La Tour, and Lily Lamont.

Grace Bradley Boyd died on her 97th birthday; Tuesday, September 21, 2010, and was interred with her husband.

Double-click on the images for a larger view.

Movie Classic Magazine - September 1934


Here are several publicity photos of Grace.

Publicity still from The Cat's Paw.

Frame captures from Sitting On The Moon (1936)

Frame captures from Larceny On The Air (1937)

Frame captures from Romance On The Run (1938)

Grace Bradley -What do you think - Allure?