Actress. Born in Rock Island, Illinois, the daughter of Marie and Fred Stovenour. After her parents divorce, her mother married Bert Haver and she adopted his name. The family moved to Cincinnati where she made her stage debut at the age of six in a production of "Midnight in a Toyshop". The following year, she won the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music's "Post Music Contest". In 1939 she debuted as a soloist for Dick Jurgens and His Orchestra and also appeared with Freddy Martin and his band. Chaperoned by her mother, she went on tour with the Ted Fio Rito band in 1940. In 1942 she signed a contract with 20th Century Fox, and in 1943 appeared in an uncredited bit role in "The Gang's All Here". A year later she appeared in "Home in Indiana" (1944) followed by "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (1944). In 1945, she appeared in "Where Do We Go From Here?" and "The Dolly Sisters" (1945). The following year she took top billing in "Three Little Girls In Blue" (1946). In March 1947, she eloped with trumpet player Jimmy Zito but separated three months later followed by a rapid divorce. "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now" was released that year. Other films included "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" (1948), "Look For The Silver Lining" (1949), "Oh, You Beautiful Doll" (1949), "The Daughter Of Rosie O'Grady" (1950), "I'll Get By" (1950), and "Love Nest" (1951). In late 1949, her fiancé, Dr. John Duzik, died following routine surgery. In mourning she made a pilgrimage to Rome which gained her an audience with the then Pope. While working on "The Girl Next Door" (1953) she announced her intent to leave Hollywood and enter a convent. She entered St. Mary's Academy in Leavenworth, Kansas and became a novice in the Order of the Sisters of Charity. After eight months, illness and doubt forced her to leave the convent, and by 1954 she had returned to a relatively secluded life in Hollywood, appearing only in the "Lux Radio Theatre" presentation of "Trouble Along the Way". That spring she met widower Fred MacMurray at a party, the couple married in June 1954 and adopted twin daughters in 1956. She refused all enticements to return to movies. She appeared on film only once more, "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour" in 1958. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1777 Vine Street.
Actress. Born in Rock Island, Illinois, the daughter of Marie and Fred Stovenour. After her parents divorce, her mother married Bert Haver and she adopted his name. The family moved to Cincinnati where she made her stage debut at the age of six in a production of "Midnight in a Toyshop". The following year, she won the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music's "Post Music Contest". In 1939 she debuted as a soloist for Dick Jurgens and His Orchestra and also appeared with Freddy Martin and his band. Chaperoned by her mother, she went on tour with the Ted Fio Rito band in 1940. In 1942 she signed a contract with 20th Century Fox, and in 1943 appeared in an uncredited bit role in "The Gang's All Here". A year later she appeared in "Home in Indiana" (1944) followed by "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (1944). In 1945, she appeared in "Where Do We Go From Here?" and "The Dolly Sisters" (1945). The following year she took top billing in "Three Little Girls In Blue" (1946). In March 1947, she eloped with trumpet player Jimmy Zito but separated three months later followed by a rapid divorce. "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now" was released that year. Other films included "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" (1948), "Look For The Silver Lining" (1949), "Oh, You Beautiful Doll" (1949), "The Daughter Of Rosie O'Grady" (1950), "I'll Get By" (1950), and "Love Nest" (1951). In late 1949, her fiancé, Dr. John Duzik, died following routine surgery. In mourning she made a pilgrimage to Rome which gained her an audience with the then Pope. While working on "The Girl Next Door" (1953) she announced her intent to leave Hollywood and enter a convent. She entered St. Mary's Academy in Leavenworth, Kansas and became a novice in the Order of the Sisters of Charity. After eight months, illness and doubt forced her to leave the convent, and by 1954 she had returned to a relatively secluded life in Hollywood, appearing only in the "Lux Radio Theatre" presentation of "Trouble Along the Way". That spring she met widower Fred MacMurray at a party, the couple married in June 1954 and adopted twin daughters in 1956. She refused all enticements to return to movies. She appeared on film only once more, "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour" in 1958. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1777 Vine Street.
Bio by: Iola
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