Ellen Hall

Ellen Hall (born Ellen Joanna Johnson, April 18, 1923 – March 24, 1999) was an American actress. Hall achieved fame as an American B-movie actress of the 1940s and early 1950s. Early in her career, her attractiveness opened doors to becoming one of the members of the famed Goldwyn Girls in 1943. Later on, she played mostly supporting roles in the popular Westerns of the period. She also acted in several family-oriented comedies and musicals. She retired from movies and television in 1952. Life and career Early Years Hall's mother was silent film actress Ella Hall. Her father was actor turned director Emory Johnson. She spent most of her life in Los Angeles. By 1924, Ellen's mother had filed for divorce. Her parents reconciled in late 1925; then tragedy struck in March 1926. While Ella and the kids were crossing a busy street in Hollywood, Ellen's 5-year-old brother Alfred was struck and killed by a truck. The accident fueled another reconciliation. Then to strengthen their new bond, Ella and Emory decided to have one last child. Ellen's only sister, Diana Marie, was born in October 1929. In 1930, frequent fence-mending between Ella and Emory Johnson was over and their divorce decree was finalized. Ella and her three children moved in with Ella's mother. Ella's mother, Mary Hall, lived in an unassuming Spanish stucco in North Hollywood. To support her three children, Ella started a new sales job at the upscale ladies dress shop – I. Magnin, located on Hollywood Boulevard. Ella's job paid well and the kids had a comfortable upbringing. Their father filed for bankruptcy in 1932. Ella spent time in court contesting support payments. This acrimony probably contributed to the children's estrangement from their father.