Beloved Hollywood actress Noreen Nash has sadly passed away at the grand age of ninety-nine. Known for her grace and beauty, Nash enjoyed a thriving two-decade-long career during the golden age of Hollywood. Born in Washington State, she captured the hearts of audiences with her remarkable talent and captivating performances. Her eldest son, Lee Siegel Jr., confirmed her peaceful passing at her Beverly Hills home on Tuesday. Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, he shared the heartbreaking news and reminisced about his mother’s extraordinary life.
Noreen Nash played various memorable roles throughout her career. One of her most recognized performances was in the 1945 drama film “The Southerner” by Jean Renoir, where she portrayed Becky Devers, the daughter of J. Carrol Naish’s character—a Texan cotton farmer. This movie was a true gem of the thriving Hollywood scene in the 1940s.
A decade later, Nash took on a completely different role as Frances Henderson, the axe murderer in the 1958 western “The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold,” directed by Lesley Selander. Her versatility as an actress shone through in this thrilling production.
Noreen Nash not only possessed timeless beauty but also remarkable talent. Alongside her memorable roles, she made a cameo appearance as Hollywood star Lona Lane in the 1956 film by George Stevens. This riveting movie depicted the post-World War II era and included a scene set at the grand opening of the Emperador Hotel.
Nash once recalled an interesting yet humorous encounter during the filming of this movie. In an interview with the Western Clippings website, she shared, “What I remember most is, by the time I got on that picture, director George Stevens and James Dean were at each other.” She humorously added, “Dean did his usual mumbling, and Stevens kept saying, ‘This script cost a lot of money. I want to hear those words!’ George didn’t like James’s style of acting!”
Nash’s journey in Hollywood began when she was discovered by Bob Hope’s agent, Louis Schurr, at the infamous Brown Derby restaurant—a favorite haunt of celebrities. Her career took off after being signed by MGM under the name “Norreen Roth.” She starred in several films, including the musical “Girl Crazy” directed by Norman Taurog and Busby Berkeley, alongside the talented Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. This experience became a stepping stone to further success.
In 1926, Noreen Nash bid farewell to acting and embarked on a new adventure. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA in 1971. Later, she wrote a historical novel titled “By Love Fulfilled,” published in 1980, and co-authored the book “Titans of the Muses: When Henry Miller Met Jean Renoir” in 2015.
The entertainment world mourns the loss of a true Hollywood legend—Noreen Nash. Her memory will live on through her timeless performances and the indelible mark she left on the industry. She will be dearly missed.
