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{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Veronica Lake | name = Veronica Lake
| image = Veronica Lake still.jpg | image = Veronica Lake still 2.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Lake, {{circa|1952}} | caption = Lake, {{circa|1952}}
| birth_name = Constance Frances Marie Ockelman | birth_name = Constance Frances Marie Ockelman
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| death_date = {{death date and age|1973|07|07|1922|11|14|mf=y}} | death_date = {{death date and age|1973|07|07|1922|11|14|mf=y}}
| death_place = ], U.S. | death_place = ], U.S.
| other_names = Constance Keane<br />Connie Keane | other_names = {{ubl|Constance Keane|Connie Keane}}
| education =
| education = St. Bernard's School (Saranac Lake, New York)<br />]<br />]
| occupation = Actress | occupation = Actress
| years_active = 1939–1970 | years_active = 1939–1970
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}} }}


'''Constance Frances Marie Ockelman''' (November 14, 1922&nbsp;– July 7, 1973), known professionally as '''Veronica Lake''', was an American film, stage, and television actress. Lake was best known for her ] roles in ]s with ] during the 1940s, her peek-a-boo hairstyle, and films such as '']'' (1941) and '']'' (1942). By the late 1940s, Lake's career began to decline, due in part to her ]. She made only one film in the 1950s, but made several ]s on television. She returned to the big screen in the film '']'' (1966), but the role failed to revitalize her career. '''Constance Frances Marie Ockelman''' (November 14, 1922 – July 7, 1973), known professionally as '''Veronica Lake''', was an American film, stage, and television actress. Lake was best known for her ] roles in ] with ] during the 1940s, her peek-a-boo hairstyle, and films such as '']'' (1941) and '']'' (1942). By the late 1940s, Lake's career began to decline, due in part to her ]. She made only one film in the 1950s, but had several guest appearances on television. She returned to the big screen in the film '']'' (1966), but the role failed to revitalize her career.


Lake's memoir, ''Veronica: The Autobiography of Veronica Lake'', was published in 1970. Her final screen role was in a low-budget horror film, '']'' (1970). After years of heavy drinking, Lake died at the age of 50 in July 1973, from ] and ]. Lake's memoir, ''Veronica: The Autobiography of Veronica Lake'', was published in 1970. Her final screen role was in a low-budget horror film, '']'' (1970). After years of heavy drinking, Lake died at the age of 50 in July 1973, from ] and ].


==Early life== ==Early life==
Lake was born '''Constance Frances Marie Ockelman''' in the New York City borough of ]. Her father, Harry Eugene Ockelman, was of ] and ] descent,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MG8H-R9J|title=Person Details for Harry E Ockelman in household of Harry Ockelman, "United States Census, 1910"&nbsp;– FamilySearch.org|publisher=ancestry.com|access-date=June 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101223/https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MG8H-R9J|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Parrish|first=Robert James|title=The Paramount Pretties|year=1972|publisher=Arlington House|isbn=0-025-08170-5|page=410}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Thomas|first=Calvin Beck|title=Scream Queens: Heroines of the Horrors|year=1978|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=0-025-08170-5|page=169}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Burroughs Hannsberry|first=Karen|title=Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film|year=1998|publisher=McFarland|isbn=0-786-40429-9|page=300}}</ref> and worked for an oil company aboard a ship. He died in an oil tanker explosion in ] in 1932.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cause for Blast on Tankship Is Undetermined |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101828921/harry-eugene-ockelman-1897-1932/ |work=Delaware County Daily Times |date=February 10, 1932 |location=Chester, PA |pages=, |accessdate=May 14, 2022 |via=]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Lake's mother, Constance Frances Charlotta (née Trimble; 1902–1992), of Irish descent, in 1933 married Anthony Keane, a newspaper staff artist also of Irish descent, and Lake began using his surname.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=May 17, 1943|title=I, Veronica|magazine=Life|volume=14|issue=20|page=78|issn=0024-3019|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=700EAAAAMBAJ&q=veronica+lake}}</ref> Lake was born Constance Frances Marie Ockelman in the New York City borough of ]. Her father, Harry Eugene Ockelman, was of German and Irish descent,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MG8H-R9J|title=Harry E Ockelman, United States Census, 1910 |website=FamilySearch|publisher=Ancestry.com|access-date=June 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101223/https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MG8H-R9J|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Parrish|first=Robert James|title=The Paramount Pretties|year=1972|publisher=Arlington House|isbn=0-025-08170-5|page=410}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Thomas|first=Calvin Beck|title=Scream Queens: Heroines of the Horrors|year=1978|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=0-025-08170-5|page=169}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Burroughs Hannsberry|first=Karen|title=Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film|year=1998|publisher=McFarland|isbn=0-786-40429-9|page=300}}</ref> and worked for an oil company aboard a ship. He died in an oil tanker explosion in ] in 1932.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cause for Blast on Tankship Is Undetermined |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101828921/harry-eugene-ockelman-1897-1932/ |work=Delaware County Daily Times |date=February 10, 1932 |location=Chester, Pennsylvania |pages=, |accessdate=May 14, 2022 |via=]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Lake's mother, Constance Frances Charlotta (née Trimble; 1902–1992), of Irish descent, in 1933 married Anthony Keane, a newspaper staff artist also of Irish descent, and Lake began using his surname.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=May 17, 1943|title=I, Veronica|magazine=Life|volume=14|issue=20|page=78|issn=0024-3019|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=700EAAAAMBAJ&q=veronica+lake}}</ref>


The Keanes lived in ], where young Lake attended St. Bernard's School. She was then sent to ], an all-girls Catholic boarding school in ], Canada, from which she was expelled. Lake later claimed she attended ] and took a premed course for a year, intending to become a surgeon. This claim was included in several press biographies, although Lake later declared it was bogus. Lake subsequently apologized to the president of McGill, who was simply amused when she explained her habit of self-dramatizing.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=May 17, 1943|title=I, Veronica|magazine=Life|volume=14|issue=20|page=82|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=700EAAAAMBAJ&q=veronica+lake}}</ref> When her stepfather fell ill during her second year{{vague|date=October 2018}}, the Keane family later moved to ].<ref name="girl" /> Lake attended ], where she was known for her beauty. She had a troubled childhood and was diagnosed with ],{{when|date=October 2021}} according to her mother.<ref>{{harv|Chierichetti|2004|p=70}}</ref> The Keanes lived in ], where young Lake attended St. Bernard's School. She was then sent to ], an all-girls Catholic boarding school in Montreal, Canada, from which she was expelled. Lake later claimed she attended ] and took a ] course for a year, intending to become a surgeon. This claim was included in several press biographies, although Lake later admitted it was bogus. Lake subsequently apologized to the president of McGill, who was simply amused when she explained her habit of self-dramatizing.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=May 17, 1943|title=I, Veronica|magazine=Life|volume=14|issue=20|page=82|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=700EAAAAMBAJ&q=veronica+lake}}</ref> When her stepfather fell ill during her second year,{{vague|date=October 2018}} the Keane family later moved to ].<ref name="girl" /> Lake attended ], where she was known for her beauty. She had a troubled childhood and was diagnosed with ], according to her mother.<ref>{{harvnb|Chierichetti|2004|p=70}}</ref>


==Career== ==Career==
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The film became a big hit, and made the teenage Lake a star overnight; even before the film came out, Lake was dubbed "the find of 1941".<ref name="girl">{{cite news|date=February 23, 1941|title=Cinderell Girl of '41|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|page=3}}</ref> During filming, Lake's long blonde hair accidentally fell over her right eye during a take and created a "peek-a-boo" effect. "I was playing a sympathetic drunk, I had my arm on a table&nbsp;... it slipped&nbsp;... and my hair&nbsp;– it was always baby fine and had this natural break&nbsp;– fell over my face&nbsp;... It became my trademark and purely by accident", she recalled.<ref name="gale" /> The film's success influenced women to copy the style, which became Lake's trademark.<ref name=victoria>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19730708&id=zb4bAAAAIBAJ&pg=5468,1042862|title='Peek-a-Boo' Star Veronica Lake Hepatitis Victim|date=July 8, 1973|newspaper=The Victoria Advocate|page=6-A|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> However, Lake did not think this meant she would have a long career and maintained her goal was to be a surgeon. "Only the older actors keep on a long time&nbsp;... I don't want to hang on after I've reached a peak. I'll go back to medical school", she said.<ref name="girl" /> The film became a big hit, and made the teenage Lake a star overnight; even before the film came out, Lake was dubbed "the find of 1941".<ref name="girl">{{cite news|date=February 23, 1941|title=Cinderell Girl of '41|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|page=3}}</ref> During filming, Lake's long blonde hair accidentally fell over her right eye during a take and created a "peek-a-boo" effect. "I was playing a sympathetic drunk, I had my arm on a table&nbsp;... it slipped&nbsp;... and my hair&nbsp;– it was always baby fine and had this natural break&nbsp;– fell over my face&nbsp;... It became my trademark and purely by accident", she recalled.<ref name="gale" /> The film's success influenced women to copy the style, which became Lake's trademark.<ref name=victoria>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19730708&id=zb4bAAAAIBAJ&pg=5468,1042862|title='Peek-a-Boo' Star Veronica Lake Hepatitis Victim|date=July 8, 1973|newspaper=The Victoria Advocate|page=6-A|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> However, Lake did not think this meant she would have a long career and maintained her goal was to be a surgeon. "Only the older actors keep on a long time&nbsp;... I don't want to hang on after I've reached a peak. I'll go back to medical school", she said.<ref name="girl" />
]'' (1941). As seen, she is sporting her peek-a-boo hairstyle, with her hair covering one of her eyes]]


]'' (1941). As seen, she is sporting her peek-a-boo hairstyle, with her hair covering one of her eyes.]]
Paramount announced Lake to star in ''China Pass'' and a remake of '']''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Churchill|first=Douglas|date=April 2, 1941|page=27|title=Warners Buys the Corn is Green |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Instead, she was cast in ]'s '']'' with ]; and ] '']'' (1942) with ] and ]. Her scenes with Ladd in the latter became popular with audiences, prompting Paramount to reteam them in '']'', with Lake replacing ] in the leading role.<ref name=deseret>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=336&dat=19480303&id=ASgcAAAAIBAJ&pg=6715,318905|title=Ladd, Lake Together In 'Saigon'|date=March 3, 1948|newspaper=The Deseret News|page=13|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> Lake was meant to be reunited with McCrea in the comedy '']'', but his withdrawal from the project led to a delay in production; ] was eventually cast as his replacement. Both films were highly successful, but also prevented a reunion with Hornblow for ''Hong Kong'' in which she was meant to co-star with ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Of Local Origin|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 24, 1941|page=27}}</ref> Paramount announced Lake to star in ''China Pass'' and a remake of '']''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Churchill|first=Douglas|date=April 2, 1941|page=27|title=Warners Buys the Corn is Green |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> Instead, she was cast in ]'s '']'' with ]; and ] '']'' (1942) with ] and ]. Her scenes with Ladd in the latter became popular with audiences, prompting Paramount to reteam them in '']'', with Lake replacing ] in the leading role.<ref name=deseret>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=336&dat=19480303&id=ASgcAAAAIBAJ&pg=6715,318905|title=Ladd, Lake Together In 'Saigon'|date=March 3, 1948|newspaper=The Deseret News|page=13|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> Lake was meant to be reunited with McCrea in the comedy '']'', but his withdrawal from the project led to a delay in production; ] was eventually cast as his replacement. Both films were highly successful, but also prevented a reunion with Hornblow for ''Hong Kong'' in which she was meant to co-star with ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Of Local Origin|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 24, 1941|page=27}}</ref>
] ]


Upon the United States' entrance into World War II, Lake traveled throughout the United States to raise money for ]s. She also became a popular ] for soldiers,<ref name=brenner /> and participated in awareness campaigns to help decrease accidents involving women getting their hair caught in machinery.<ref name="Veronica Lake's remains resurface">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2004-10-12-veronica-lake_x.htm|title=Veronica Lake's remains resurface|date=October 12, 2004|website=USA Today|access-date=June 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922122126/http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2004-10-12-veronica-lake_x.htm|archive-date=September 22, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="starr2003">{{harv|Starr|2003|pp=128–29}}</ref><ref name=brenner>{{cite news|last=Brenner|first=John Lanouette|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2209&dat=19670826&id=9K0rAAAAIBAJ&pg=7213,5706895|title=Veronica Lake Gives Telegraph Exclusive Personal Interview|date=August 26, 1967|newspaper=The Telegraph|page=9|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> Lake's only 1943 releases were both patriotic-themed. She made an appearance in Paramount's all-star musical revue '']'' performing "A Sweater, Sarong and a Peek-A-Boo Bang" with ] and ]. Her only film of the year was '']'' (1943) with Goddard and ], in which she received acclaim for her role of a suicidal nurse. At the peak of her career, she was earning $4,500 a week.<ref name=victoria /> Upon the United States' entrance into World War II, Lake traveled throughout the United States to raise money for ]s. She also became a popular ] for soldiers,<ref name=brenner /> and participated in awareness campaigns to help decrease accidents involving women getting their hair caught in machinery.<ref name="Veronica Lake's remains resurface">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2004-10-12-veronica-lake_x.htm|title=Veronica Lake's remains resurface|date=October 12, 2004|website=USA Today|access-date=June 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922122126/http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2004-10-12-veronica-lake_x.htm|archive-date=September 22, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="starr2003">{{harvnb|Starr|2003|pp=128–29}}</ref><ref name=brenner>{{cite news|last=Brenner|first=John Lanouette|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2209&dat=19670826&id=9K0rAAAAIBAJ&pg=7213,5706895|title=Veronica Lake Gives Telegraph Exclusive Personal Interview|date=August 26, 1967|newspaper=The Telegraph|page=9|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> Lake's only 1943 releases were both patriotic-themed. She made an appearance in Paramount's all-star musical revue '']'' performing "A Sweater, Sarong and a Peek-A-Boo Bang" with ] and ]. Her only film of the year was '']'' (1943) with Goddard and ], in which she received acclaim for her role of a suicidal nurse. At the peak of her career, she was earning $4,500 a week.<ref name=victoria />


===Personal struggles and box-office disappointments=== ===Personal struggles and box-office disappointments===
Despite her initial success, Lake suffered a series of setbacks that ultimately derailed her career. Her complex personality quickly led to her acquiring a reputation for being difficult to work with. On ''Sullivan's Travels'', Lake did not disclose she was six months pregnant when filming began, upsetting director Preston Sturges to the point he had to be physically restrained.<ref>Steffen, James </ref> Lake also clashed with co-star McCrea to the point that he dropped out of ''I Married a Witch'', reportedly saying that "Life's too short for two films with Veronica Lake" (although he did later go on to work with her in '']'' (1947)).<ref>Robert Osborne, Turner Classic Movies, October 6, 2010</ref> His replacement Frederic March also clashed with Lake after he made crude remarks about her during pre-production.<ref>Stafford, Jeff </ref> ] was quoted as saying, "She was known as 'The Bitch' and she deserved the title."<ref>{{harv|Donnelley|2003|p=392}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Parish|Pitts|2003|p=480}}</ref> ''I Married A Witch'' director ] had a differing view of Lake, saying "She was a very gifted girl, but she didn't believe she was gifted."<ref>{{harv|Terkel|1999|p=168}}</ref> Lake's behavior eventually spilt over into public view during a publicity stunt in which Lake's services as a dishwasher and revue performer were auctioned off for war bonds. One paper claimed Lake's "talk was on the grim side",<ref>{{cite news|title=Tobin Shines As Butler At Bond Lunch: $100,000 Luncheon Served at Tobin Home|newspaper=The Christian Science Monitor|location=Boston|date=June 13, 1944|page=1}}</ref> while columnist ] claimed that "Lake clipped her own wings in her Boston bond appearance ... It's lucky for Lake, after Boston, that she isn't out of pictures".<ref>{{cite news|last=Hopper|first=Hedda|title=Sonny Sings a Song!|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=July 20, 1944|page=5}}</ref> Despite her initial success, Lake suffered a series of setbacks that ultimately derailed her career. Her complex personality quickly led to her acquiring a reputation for being difficult to work with. On ''Sullivan's Travels'', Lake did not disclose she was six months pregnant when filming began, upsetting director Preston Sturges to the point he had to be physically restrained.<ref>Steffen, James. . ''Turner Classic Movies''.</ref> Lake also clashed with co-star McCrea to the point that he dropped out of ''I Married a Witch'', reportedly saying that "Life's too short for two films with Veronica Lake" (although he did later go on to work with her in '']'' (1947)).<ref>Robert Osborne, ''Turner Classic Movies'', October 6, 2010</ref> His replacement Frederic March also clashed with Lake after he made crude remarks{{which?|date=August 2024}} about her during pre-production.<ref>Stafford, Jeff. . ''Turner Classic Movies''''.</ref> ] was quoted as saying, "She was known as 'The Bitch' and she deserved the title."<ref>{{harv|Donnelley|2003|p=392}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Parish|Pitts|2003|p=480}}</ref> ''I Married A Witch'' director ] had a differing view of Lake, saying "She was a very gifted girl, but she didn't believe she was gifted."<ref>{{harv|Terkel|1999|p=168}}</ref> Lake's behavior eventually spilt over into public view during a publicity stunt in which Lake's services as a dishwasher and revue performer were auctioned off for war bonds. One paper claimed Lake's "talk was on the grim side",<ref>{{cite news|title=Tobin Shines As Butler At Bond Lunch: $100,000 Luncheon Served at Tobin Home|newspaper=The Christian Science Monitor|location=Boston|date=June 13, 1944|page=1}}</ref> while columnist ] claimed that "Lake clipped her own wings in her Boston bond appearance&nbsp;... It's lucky for Lake, after Boston, that she isn't out of pictures".<ref>{{cite news|last=Hopper|first=Hedda|title=Sonny Sings a Song!|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=July 20, 1944|page=5}}</ref>


With her role in '']'' (1944), Lake changed her trademark hairstyle to encourage women working in war industry factories to adopt more practical, safer hairstyles. Lake had done so at the urging of the government to help decrease accidents involving women getting their hair caught in machinery.<ref name="Veronica Lake's remains resurface"/><ref name="starr2003"/><ref name=brenner/> The film was not a success; Lake's image change and her unsympathetic role of ] spy Dora Bruckman earned negative reviews. With her role in '']'' (1944), Lake changed her trademark hairstyle to encourage women working in war industry factories to adopt more practical, safer hairstyles. Lake had done so at the urging of the government to help decrease accidents involving women getting their hair caught in machinery.<ref name="Veronica Lake's remains resurface"/><ref name="starr2003"/><ref name=brenner/> The film was not a success; Lake's image change and her unsympathetic role of ] spy Dora Bruckman earned negative reviews.
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Upon returning to work in 1944, Lake took stock of her career, claiming, "I had to learn about acting. I've played all sorts of parts, taken just what came along regardless of high merit. In fact, I've been a sort of general utility person. I haven't liked all the roles. One or two were pretty bad".<ref name="edwin" /> Lake also expressed interest in renegotiating her deal with Paramount: Upon returning to work in 1944, Lake took stock of her career, claiming, "I had to learn about acting. I've played all sorts of parts, taken just what came along regardless of high merit. In fact, I've been a sort of general utility person. I haven't liked all the roles. One or two were pretty bad".<ref name="edwin" /> Lake also expressed interest in renegotiating her deal with Paramount:

{{blockquote|The studio feels that way about it too. They have indicated they are going to fuss more about the pictures in which I appear. I think I'll enjoy being fussed about&nbsp;... I want this to be the turning point and I think that it will. I am free and clear of unpleasant characters, unless they are strongly justified. I've had a varied experience playing them and also appearing as heroines. The roles themselves haven't been noteworthy and sometimes not even especially spotlighted, but I think they've all been beneficial in one way or another. From here on there should be a certain pattern of development, and that is what I am going to fight for if necessary, though I don't believe it will be because they are so understanding here at Paramount.<ref name="edwin" />}} {{blockquote|The studio feels that way about it too. They have indicated they are going to fuss more about the pictures in which I appear. I think I'll enjoy being fussed about&nbsp;... I want this to be the turning point and I think that it will. I am free and clear of unpleasant characters, unless they are strongly justified. I've had a varied experience playing them and also appearing as heroines. The roles themselves haven't been noteworthy and sometimes not even especially spotlighted, but I think they've all been beneficial in one way or another. From here on there should be a certain pattern of development, and that is what I am going to fight for if necessary, though I don't believe it will be because they are so understanding here at Paramount.<ref name="edwin" />}}


Lake returned with roles in the musical '']'' (1945) with Eddie Bracken and ]; and '']'' with Bracken. Lake enjoyed making the film, saying "it's a comedy, rather like what ] used to do ... It represents a real change of pace".<ref name="edwin">{{cite news|last=Schallert|first=Edwin|date=July 8, 1945|page=C1|title=Change of Pace in Roles Beckons Veronica Lake: Star to Pause at Career's Crossroads Roles to Shift for Veronica|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> However, neither film was successful, as were minor roles in '']'' and '']'' (1946). Lake returned with roles in the musical '']'' (1945) with Eddie Bracken and ]; and '']'' with Bracken. Lake enjoyed making the film, saying "it's a comedy, rather like what ] used to do&nbsp;... It represents a real change of pace".<ref name="edwin">{{cite news|last=Schallert|first=Edwin|date=July 8, 1945|page=C1|title=Change of Pace in Roles Beckons Veronica Lake: Star to Pause at Career's Crossroads Roles to Shift for Veronica|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> However, neither film was successful, as were minor roles in '']'' and '']'' (1946).


===Final years at Paramount and freelance=== ===Final years at Paramount and freelance===
] in trailer for '']'' (1946)]] ] in trailer for '']'' (1946)]]
After her role in ''Miss Susie Slagle's'', producer ] cast Lake in the ] '']'' (1946). The film reunited her with Alan Ladd, who had become one of Paramount's top stars since their last pairing in ''The Glass Key''. Lake was pleased with the role, but her performance in the film did not impress its screenwriter ], who referred to her as "Moronica Lake".<ref>{{harv|Hiney|1999|p=154}}</ref> Nonetheless, it became her first success since ''So Proudly We Hail!'' and the largest of her career. After her role in ''Miss Susie Slagle's'', producer ] cast Lake in the ] '']'' (1946). The film reunited her with Alan Ladd, who had become one of Paramount's top stars since their last pairing in ''The Glass Key''. Lake was pleased with the role, but her performance in the film did not impress its screenwriter ], who referred to her as "Moronica Lake".<ref>{{harvnb|Hiney|1999|p=154}}</ref> Nonetheless, it became her first success since ''So Proudly We Hail!'' and the largest of her career.


For the first time in her career, Lake ventured outside of Paramount with the ] Western '']'' (1947). The film was directed by her then-husband ], in their first collaboration. The film also reunited her with Joel McCrea, despite his earlier insistence that he would not work with her again. The film was also successful, continuing her comeback. For the first time in her career, Lake ventured outside of Paramount with the ] Western '']'' (1947). The film was directed by her then-husband ], in their first collaboration. The film also reunited her with Joel McCrea, despite his earlier insistence that he would not work with her again. The film was also successful, continuing her comeback.
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Lake and de Toth announced plans to make ''Flanagan Boy'' and ''Before I Wake'', the latter from a suspense novel by Mel Devrett.<ref>{{cite news|title=Drama: D'Arrast, Glazer Plan Spanish Feature; Power Debates British Stage|last=Schallert|first=Edwin|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=March 11, 1950|page=11}}</ref> However, neither were made as the couple ran into financial difficulties. In April 1951, the ] seized their home for unpaid taxes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R3EzAAAAIBAJ&pg=3658,602906|title=Actress Loses Home For Not Paying Tax|date=April 7, 1951|newspaper=Lodi News–Sentinel|page=8|access-date=January 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027083504/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R3EzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5u4HAAAAIBAJ&pg=3658,602906|archive-date=October 27, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that same year, Lake and de Toth filed for bankruptcy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LncoAAAAIBAJ&pg=4541,6166208|title=Veronica Lake Says She's Bankrupt|date=August 17, 1951|newspaper=Daytona Beach Morning Journal|page=1|access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> Bankrupt and on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Lake left de Toth and flew alone to New York. Reflecting on her departure years later, Lake said: Lake and de Toth announced plans to make ''Flanagan Boy'' and ''Before I Wake'', the latter from a suspense novel by Mel Devrett.<ref>{{cite news|title=Drama: D'Arrast, Glazer Plan Spanish Feature; Power Debates British Stage|last=Schallert|first=Edwin|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=March 11, 1950|page=11}}</ref> However, neither were made as the couple ran into financial difficulties. In April 1951, the ] seized their home for unpaid taxes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R3EzAAAAIBAJ&pg=3658,602906|title=Actress Loses Home For Not Paying Tax|date=April 7, 1951|newspaper=Lodi News–Sentinel|page=8|access-date=January 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027083504/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R3EzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5u4HAAAAIBAJ&pg=3658,602906|archive-date=October 27, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that same year, Lake and de Toth filed for bankruptcy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LncoAAAAIBAJ&pg=4541,6166208|title=Veronica Lake Says She's Bankrupt|date=August 17, 1951|newspaper=Daytona Beach Morning Journal|page=1|access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> Bankrupt and on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Lake left de Toth and flew alone to New York. Reflecting on her departure years later, Lake said:


{{blockquote|"They said, 'She'll be back in a couple of months,'" recalled Lake. "Well I never returned. Enough was enough already. Did I want to be one of the walking dead or a real person?"<ref name="gale" />}} {{blockquote|"They said, 'She'll be back in a couple of months,{{'"}} recalled Lake. "Well I never returned. Enough was enough already. Did I want to be one of the walking dead or a real person?"<ref name="gale" />}}


Lake performed in ] and in stage roles in England.<ref name=klemesrud>{{cite news|last=Klemesrud|first=Judy|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1oIyAAAAIBAJ&pg=894,6028745|title=What Ever Happened to Veronica Lake?|date=March 14, 1971|work=The Palm Beach Post|page=C6|access-date=January 11, 2013}}</ref> In October 1955, she collapsed in Detroit, where she had been appearing on stage in ''The Little Hut''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1300&dat=19551028&id=-TlVAAAAIBAJ&pg=4458,4305402|title=Veronica Lake In Hospital|date=October 28, 1955|newspaper=The Age|page=1|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> Lake performed in ] and in stage roles in England.<ref name=klemesrud>{{cite news|last=Klemesrud|first=Judy|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1oIyAAAAIBAJ&pg=894,6028745|title=What Ever Happened to Veronica Lake?|date=March 14, 1971|work=The Palm Beach Post|page=C6|access-date=January 11, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In October 1955, she collapsed in Detroit, where she had been appearing on stage in ''The Little Hut''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1300&dat=19551028&id=-TlVAAAAIBAJ&pg=4458,4305402|title=Veronica Lake In Hospital|date=October 28, 1955|newspaper=The Age|page=1|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref>


==Later years== ==Later years==
After her third divorce, Lake drifted between cheap hotels in New York City, and was arrested several times for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. In 1962, a '']'' reporter found her living at the all-women's ] in ], working as a waitress downstairs in the cocktail lounge.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8ToaAAAAIBAJ&pg=7223,662510|title=Veronica Lake is a Waitress Now|date=March 22, 1962|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|page=11|access-date=April 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213095156/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8ToaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BScEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7223,662510|archive-date=December 13, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> She was working under the name "Connie de Toth". Lake said she took the job in part because "I like people. I like to talk to them".<ref>{{cite news|title=Once Glittering Star: Veronica Lake Now Cocktail Waitress|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=March 23, 1962|page=2}}</ref> After her third divorce, Lake drifted between cheap hotels in New York City, and was arrested several times for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. In 1962, a '']'' reporter found her living at the all-women's ] in ], working as a waitress downstairs in the cocktail lounge.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8ToaAAAAIBAJ&pg=7223,662510|title=Veronica Lake is a Waitress Now|date=March 22, 1962|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|page=11|access-date=April 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213095156/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8ToaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BScEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7223,662510|archive-date=December 13, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> She was working under the name "Connie de Toth". Lake said she took the job in part because "I like people. I like to talk to them".<ref>{{cite news|title=Once Glittering Star: Veronica Lake Now Cocktail Waitress|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=March 23, 1962|page=2}}</ref>


The reporter's widely distributed story led to speculation that Lake was destitute. After the story ran, fans of Lake sent her money which she returned as "a matter of pride".<ref name=klemesrud /> Lake vehemently denied that she was destitute and stated, "It's as though people were making me out to be down-and-out. I wasn't. I was paying $190 a month rent then, and that's a long way from being broke".<ref name=virginisland>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=757&dat=19730709&id=rrhNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4092,661735|title=Actress Veronica Lake Dies In Vermont Hospital|date=July 9, 1973|work=The Virgin Island Daily News|page=2|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> The story did revive some interest in Lake and led to some television and stage appearances, including the 1963 off-Broadway revival of the musical '']''.<ref name=virginisland /><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818214726/http://www.lortel.org/Archives/Production/1429 |date=2018-08-18 }} at ]</ref> The reporter's widely distributed story led to speculation that Lake was destitute. After the story ran, fans of Lake sent her money which she returned as "a matter of pride".<ref name=klemesrud /> Lake vehemently denied that she was destitute and stated, "It's as though people were making me out to be down-and-out. I wasn't. I was paying $190 a month rent then, and that's a long way from being broke".<ref name=virginisland>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=757&dat=19730709&id=rrhNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4092,661735|title=Actress Veronica Lake Dies In Vermont Hospital|date=July 9, 1973|work=The Virgin Island Daily News|page=2|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> The story did revive some interest in Lake and led to some television and stage appearances, including the 1963 off-Broadway revival of the musical '']''.<ref name=virginisland /><ref>. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818214726/http://www.lortel.org/Archives/Production/1429 |date=2018-08-18 }}. '']''.</ref>


In 1966, she had a brief employment as a hostess on a tv show in ], along with a largely ignored film role in '']''. She also continued appearing in stage roles.<ref name=brenner /> She went to Freeport in the Bahamas to visit a friend and stayed on, living there for a few years.<ref name="gale" /> In 1966, she had a brief employment as a hostess on a tv show in ], along with a largely ignored film role in '']''. She also continued appearing in stage roles.<ref name=brenner /> She went to Freeport in the Bahamas to visit a friend and stayed on, living there for a few years.<ref name="gale" />
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Lake's memoirs, ''Veronica: The Autobiography of Veronica Lake'', which she dictated to writer ], were published in the United Kingdom in 1969 and in the United States the following year. In the book, Lake discusses her career, her failed marriages; romances with ], ] and ]; her alcoholism; and her guilt over not spending enough time with her children.<ref name=victoria /> In the book, Lake stated to Bain that her mother pushed her into a career as an actress. Bain quoted Lake, looking back at her career, as saying, "I never did ] like ] or ]. I just used my hair". She also laughed off the term "sex symbol" and instead referred to herself as a "sex zombie".<ref name=klemesrud /> Lake's memoirs, ''Veronica: The Autobiography of Veronica Lake'', which she dictated to writer ], were published in the United Kingdom in 1969 and in the United States the following year. In the book, Lake discusses her career, her failed marriages; romances with ], ] and ]; her alcoholism; and her guilt over not spending enough time with her children.<ref name=victoria /> In the book, Lake stated to Bain that her mother pushed her into a career as an actress. Bain quoted Lake, looking back at her career, as saying, "I never did ] like ] or ]. I just used my hair". She also laughed off the term "sex symbol" and instead referred to herself as a "sex zombie".<ref name=klemesrud />


When she visited the UK to promote her book in 1969, she received an offer to appear on stage in ''Madam Chairman''.<ref name="gale">{{cite news|title=Lake: 'To Work ...and to Live': Veronica Lake|last=Gale|first=Bill|newspaper = New York Times|date=August 24, 1969|page=D13}}</ref> Also in 1969, Lake essayed the role of ] in a revival of '']'' on the English stage; her performance won rave reviews.<ref name=sarasota>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19730708&id=ncEqAAAAIBAJ&pg=7411,3142317|title=Peek-A-Boo Veronica Lake Dies At 51|date=July 8, 1973|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|page=9-A|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> With the proceeds from her autobiography, after she had divided them with Bain, she co-produced and starred in her final film, '']'' (1970), a low-budget horror movie with a Nazi-myth storyline.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}} When she visited the UK to promote her book in 1969, she received an offer to appear on stage in ''Madam Chairman''.<ref name="gale">{{cite news|title=Lake: 'To Work ... and to Live': Veronica Lake|last=Gale|first=Bill|newspaper = New York Times|date=August 24, 1969|page=D13}}</ref> Also in 1969, Lake essayed the role of ] in a revival of '']'' on the English stage; her performance won rave reviews.<ref name=sarasota>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19730708&id=ncEqAAAAIBAJ&pg=7411,3142317|title=Peek-A-Boo Veronica Lake Dies At 51|date=July 8, 1973|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|page=9-A|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> With the proceeds from her autobiography, after she had divided them with Bain, she co-produced and starred in her final film, '']'' (1970), a low-budget horror movie with a Nazi-myth storyline.{{citation needed|date=November 2016}}


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Lake's first marriage was to art director ], in 1940. They had a daughter, Elaine (born in 1941),<ref name=miami>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vgQtAAAAIBAJ&pg=3782,207545|title=Veronica Lake Wins Divorce|date=December 2, 1943|work=The Miami News|page=1|access-date=January 10, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and a son, Anthony (born July 8, 1943). According to news from the time, Lake's son was born prematurely after she tripped on a lighting cable while filming a movie. Anthony died on July 15, 1943.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=w6IhAAAAIBAJ&pg=1621,1211377|title=Veronica Lake's Baby, Born Prematurely, Dies|date=July 16, 1943|work=Reading Eagle|page=18|access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> Lake and Detlie separated in August 1943 and divorced in December 1943.<ref name=miami /> Lake's first marriage was to art director ], in 1940. They had a daughter, Elaine (born in 1941),<ref name=miami>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vgQtAAAAIBAJ&pg=3782,207545|title=Veronica Lake Wins Divorce|date=December 2, 1943|work=The Miami News|page=1|access-date=January 10, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and a son, Anthony (born July 8, 1943). According to news from the time, Lake's son was born prematurely after she tripped on a lighting cable while filming a movie. Anthony died on July 15, 1943.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=w6IhAAAAIBAJ&pg=1621,1211377|title=Veronica Lake's Baby, Born Prematurely, Dies|date=July 16, 1943|work=Reading Eagle|page=18|access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> Lake and Detlie separated in August 1943 and divorced in December 1943.<ref name=miami />


In 1944, Lake married film director ] with whom she had a son, Andre Anthony Michael III (known as Michael DeToth), and a daughter, Diana (born October 1948). Days before Diana's birth, Lake's mother sued her for support payments.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ROk-AAAAIBAJ&pg=2220,896226|title=Veronica Lake Sued By Mother|date=October 12, 1948|work=The Tuscaloosa News|access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> After purchasing an airplane for de Toth, Lake earned her pilot's license in 1946. She later flew solo between Los Angeles and New York when leaving him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tcmdb.com/participant.jsp?participantId=107416|title=Turner Classic Movies|publisher=Tcmdb.com|access-date=October 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425081415/http://www.tcmdb.com/participant.jsp?participantId=107416|archive-date=April 25, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> Lake and de Toth divorced in 1952.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a-YhAAAAIBAJ&pg=3746,539222|title=Veronica Lake Wins Divorce From Director|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|publisher=June 3, 1952|page=12|access-date=January 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027094923/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a-YhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v2QEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3746,539222|archive-date=October 27, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1944, Lake married film director ] with whom she had a son, Andre Anthony Michael III (known as Michael DeToth), and a daughter, Diana (born October 1948). Days before Diana's birth, Lake's mother sued her for support payments.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ROk-AAAAIBAJ&pg=2220,896226|title=Veronica Lake Sued By Mother|date=October 12, 1948|work=The Tuscaloosa News|access-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref> After purchasing an airplane for de Toth, Lake earned her pilot's license in 1946. She later flew solo between Los Angeles and New York when leaving him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tcmdb.com/participant.jsp?participantId=107416|title=Veronica Lake |work=Turner Classic Movies Database|access-date=October 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425081415/http://www.tcmdb.com/participant.jsp?participantId=107416|archive-date=April 25, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> Lake and de Toth divorced in 1952.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a-YhAAAAIBAJ&pg=3746,539222|title=Veronica Lake Wins Divorce From Director|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|publisher=June 3, 1952|page=12|access-date=January 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027094923/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a-YhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v2QEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3746,539222|archive-date=October 27, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>


In September 1955, she married songwriter Joseph Allan McCarthy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a_4yAAAAIBAJ&pg=5374,4239700|title=Veronica Lake Weds Ex-County Tunesmith|date=September 4, 1955|work=The Herald|page=2|access-date=January 11, 2013}}</ref> They were divorced in 1959. In 1969, she revealed that she rarely saw her children. In September 1955, she married songwriter ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a_4yAAAAIBAJ&pg=5374,4239700|title=Veronica Lake Weds Ex-County Tunesmith|date=September 4, 1955|work=The Herald|page=2|access-date=January 11, 2013}}</ref> They were divorced in 1959. In 1969, she revealed that she rarely saw her children.


==Death== ==Death==
] in 1971, two years prior to her death]]

In June 1973, Lake returned from her autobiography promotion and summer stock tour in ] to the United States and while traveling in Vermont, visited a local doctor, complaining of stomach pains. She was discovered to have ] of the liver as a result of her years of drinking, and on June 26, she checked into the ] in ].<ref name=sarasota /> In June 1973, Lake returned from her autobiography promotion and summer stock tour in ] to the United States and while traveling in Vermont, visited a local doctor, complaining of stomach pains. She was discovered to have ] of the liver as a result of her years of drinking, and on June 26, she checked into the ] in ].<ref name=sarasota />


She died there on July 7, 1973, of ] and ].<ref>''Vermont Death Records, 1909–2003''. Vermont State Archives and Records Administration, Montpelier, Vermont.</ref><ref name="Hudson">{{cite news |last1=Hudson |first1=Edward |title=Veronica Lake, 53, Movie Star With the Peekaboo Hair, Dead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/07/08/archives/veronica-lake-53-movie-star-with-the-peekaboo-hair-dead.html |work=The New York Times |date= July 8, 1973}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Her son Michael claimed her body.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sLhNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3440,916647|title=Veronica Lake to Be Buried in Islands|date=July 11, 1973|work=The Virgin Islands Daily News|page=1}}</ref> Lake's memorial service was held at the Universal Chapel in New York City on July 11.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rites for Miss Lake Today|date=July 11, 1973|work=The New York Times}}</ref> She died there on July 7, 1973, of ] and ].<ref>''Vermont Death Records, 1909–2003''. Vermont State Archives and Records Administration, Montpelier, Vermont.</ref><ref name="Hudson">{{cite news |last1=Hudson |first1=Edward |title=Veronica Lake, 53, Movie Star With the Peekaboo Hair, Dead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/07/08/archives/veronica-lake-53-movie-star-with-the-peekaboo-hair-dead.html |work=The New York Times |date= July 8, 1973 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Her son Michael claimed her body.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sLhNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3440,916647|title=Veronica Lake to Be Buried in Islands|date=July 11, 1973|work=The Virgin Islands Daily News|page=1}}</ref> Lake's memorial service was held at the Universal Chapel in New York City on July 11.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rites for Miss Lake Today|date=July 11, 1973|work=The New York Times}}</ref>


She was cremated and, according to her wishes, her ashes were scattered off the coast of the Virgin Islands. In 2004, some of Lake's ashes were reportedly found in a New York antique store.<ref>{{cite web|last=Johnston|first=Lauren|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/veronica-lakes-ashes-for-sale|title=Veronica Lake's Ashes For Sale?|date=October 12, 2004|website=CBS News|access-date=April 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208234225/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/veronica-lakes-ashes-for-sale/|archive-date=February 8, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> She was cremated and, according to her wishes, her ashes were scattered off the coast of the Virgin Islands. In 2004, some of Lake's ashes were reportedly found in a New York antique store.<ref>{{cite web|last=Johnston|first=Lauren|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/veronica-lakes-ashes-for-sale|title=Veronica Lake's Ashes For Sale?|date=October 12, 2004|website=CBS News|access-date=April 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208234225/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/veronica-lakes-ashes-for-sale/|archive-date=February 8, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
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==In popular culture== ==In popular culture==
]'' (1942)]] ]
Veronica Lake's image was used as a sight gag in the 1942 film '']'' with ] and ]. Veronica Lake's image was used as a sight gag in the 1942 film '']'' with ] and ].


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In the 1997 film '']'', ] won the ] for her portrayal of a prostitute who is a Veronica Lake look-alike.<ref>{{cite news|title=Video: Period films connected by the past|date=April 17, 1998|newspaper=The Los Angeles Daily News|access-date=July 7, 2012|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83818977.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611124242/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83818977.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 11, 2014|via=]}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hare|2008|p=219}}</ref> In the 1997 film '']'', ] won the ] for her portrayal of a prostitute who is a Veronica Lake look-alike.<ref>{{cite news|title=Video: Period films connected by the past|date=April 17, 1998|newspaper=The Los Angeles Daily News|access-date=July 7, 2012|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83818977.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611124242/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83818977.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 11, 2014|via=]}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Hare|2008|p=219}}</ref>


A geographical feature called "Lake Veronica" was a recurring joke in the '']'' series and film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1989-10-13/news/mn-477_1_jay-ward|title=Jay Ward Dies; He Created Rocky, Bullwinkle for TV|first=Burt A.|last=Folkart|date=October 13, 1989|via=LA Times|access-date=July 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715021515/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-10-13/news/mn-477_1_jay-ward|archive-date=July 15, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A geographical feature called "Lake Veronica" was a recurring joke in the '']'' series and film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-13-mn-477-story.html|title=Jay Ward Dies; He Created Rocky, Bullwinkle for TV|first=Burt A.|last=Folkart|date=October 13, 1989|via=LA Times|access-date=July 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715021515/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-10-13/news/mn-477_1_jay-ward|archive-date=July 15, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>


In the video game '']'' (2013–14), the visual style of ] character was inspired by Veronica Lake's femme fatale roles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldfarb, Andrew |date=August 7, 2013 |title=How Playing as Elizabeth Changes BioShock Infinite |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/08/07/how-playing-as-elizabeth-changes-bioshock-infinite |url-status=live |access-date=November 6, 2013 |website=] |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-date=February 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218204953/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/07/how-playing-as-elizabeth-changes-bioshock-infinite }}</ref> In the video game '']'' (2013–14), the visual style of the character ] was inspired by Veronica Lake's femme fatale roles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldfarb, Andrew |date=August 7, 2013 |title=How Playing as Elizabeth Changes BioShock Infinite |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/08/07/how-playing-as-elizabeth-changes-bioshock-infinite |url-status=live |access-date=November 6, 2013 |website=] |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-date=February 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218204953/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/07/how-playing-as-elizabeth-changes-bioshock-infinite }}</ref>


In '']'', ]'s 2013 posthumously released autobiography, he writes about his teenage friendship with Lake.<ref>], (2013) "Veronica" in '']'', ], pp. 301-04</ref> In '']'', ]'s 2013 posthumously released autobiography, he writes about his teenage friendship with Lake.<ref>], (2013) "Veronica" in '']'', ], pp. 301-04</ref>
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| December 12, 1954||''The Jack Benny Program''||"A Trip to Palm Springs" | December 12, 1954||''The Jack Benny Program''||"A Trip to Palm Springs"
|} |}

==See also==
{{Portal bar|Biography|United States|Film}}


==References== ==References==
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*{{IMDb name|0000043}} *{{IMDb name|0000043}}
*{{TCMDb name}} *{{TCMDb name}}
*{{AllMovie name|40073}}
*{{iobdb name|17943}} *{{iobdb name|17943}}
{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}
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] ]
] ]
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Latest revision as of 19:40, 22 December 2024

American actress (1922–1973)

Veronica Lake
Lake, c. 1952
BornConstance Frances Marie Ockelman
(1922-11-14)November 14, 1922
New York City, U.S.
DiedJuly 7, 1973(1973-07-07) (aged 50)
Burlington, Vermont, U.S.
Other names
  • Constance Keane
  • Connie Keane
OccupationActress
Years active1939–1970
Spouses
John S. Detlie ​ ​(m. 1940; div. 1943)
Andre de Toth ​ ​(m. 1944; div. 1952)
Joseph Allan McCarthy ​ ​(m. 1955; div. 1959)
Robert Carleton-Munro ​ ​(m. 1972)
Children4

Constance Frances Marie Ockelman (November 14, 1922 – July 7, 1973), known professionally as Veronica Lake, was an American film, stage, and television actress. Lake was best known for her femme fatale roles in films noir with Alan Ladd during the 1940s, her peek-a-boo hairstyle, and films such as Sullivan's Travels (1941) and I Married a Witch (1942). By the late 1940s, Lake's career began to decline, due in part to her alcoholism. She made only one film in the 1950s, but had several guest appearances on television. She returned to the big screen in the film Footsteps in the Snow (1966), but the role failed to revitalize her career.

Lake's memoir, Veronica: The Autobiography of Veronica Lake, was published in 1970. Her final screen role was in a low-budget horror film, Flesh Feast (1970). After years of heavy drinking, Lake died at the age of 50 in July 1973, from hepatitis and acute kidney injury.

Early life

Lake was born Constance Frances Marie Ockelman in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Her father, Harry Eugene Ockelman, was of German and Irish descent, and worked for an oil company aboard a ship. He died in an oil tanker explosion in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania in 1932. Lake's mother, Constance Frances Charlotta (née Trimble; 1902–1992), of Irish descent, in 1933 married Anthony Keane, a newspaper staff artist also of Irish descent, and Lake began using his surname.

The Keanes lived in Saranac Lake, New York, where young Lake attended St. Bernard's School. She was then sent to Villa Maria, an all-girls Catholic boarding school in Montreal, Canada, from which she was expelled. Lake later claimed she attended McGill University and took a premed course for a year, intending to become a surgeon. This claim was included in several press biographies, although Lake later admitted it was bogus. Lake subsequently apologized to the president of McGill, who was simply amused when she explained her habit of self-dramatizing. When her stepfather fell ill during her second year, the Keane family later moved to Miami, Florida. Lake attended Miami High School, where she was known for her beauty. She had a troubled childhood and was diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to her mother.

Career

Constance Keane

In 1938, the Keanes moved to Beverly Hills, California. While briefly under contract to MGM, Lake enrolled in that studio's acting farm, the Bliss-Hayden School of Acting (now the Beverly Hills Playhouse). She made friends with a girl named Gwen Horn and accompanied her when Horn went to audition at RKO. She appeared in the play Thought for Food in January 1939. A theatre critic from the Los Angeles Times called her "a fetching little trick" for her appearance in She Made Her Bed.

Keane's first appearance on screen was as an extra for RKO, playing a small role as one of several students in the film Sorority House (1939). The part wound up being cut from the film, but she was encouraged to continue. Similar roles followed, including All Women Have Secrets (1939), Dancing Co-Ed (also 1939), Young as You Feel (1940), and Forty Little Mothers (also 1940). Forty Little Mothers was the first time she let her hair down on screen.

Name change and stardom

Publicity photo for I Wanted Wings (1941)

Lake attracted the interest of Fred Wilcox, an assistant director, who shot a test scene of her performing from a play and showed it to an agent. The agent, in turn, showed it to producer Arthur Hornblow Jr., who was looking for a new girl to play the part of a nightclub singer in a military drama, I Wanted Wings (1941). Hornblow changed the actress's name to Veronica Lake. According to him, her eyes, "calm and clear like a blue lake", were the inspiration for her new name.

The film became a big hit, and made the teenage Lake a star overnight; even before the film came out, Lake was dubbed "the find of 1941". During filming, Lake's long blonde hair accidentally fell over her right eye during a take and created a "peek-a-boo" effect. "I was playing a sympathetic drunk, I had my arm on a table ... it slipped ... and my hair – it was always baby fine and had this natural break – fell over my face ... It became my trademark and purely by accident", she recalled. The film's success influenced women to copy the style, which became Lake's trademark. However, Lake did not think this meant she would have a long career and maintained her goal was to be a surgeon. "Only the older actors keep on a long time ... I don't want to hang on after I've reached a peak. I'll go back to medical school", she said.

Lake with Joel McCrea in Sullivan's Travels (1941). As seen, she is sporting her peek-a-boo hairstyle, with her hair covering one of her eyes.

Paramount announced Lake to star in China Pass and a remake of Blonde Venus. Instead, she was cast in Preston Sturges's Sullivan's Travels with Joel McCrea; and film noir This Gun for Hire (1942) with Robert Preston and Alan Ladd. Her scenes with Ladd in the latter became popular with audiences, prompting Paramount to reteam them in The Glass Key, with Lake replacing Patricia Morison in the leading role. Lake was meant to be reunited with McCrea in the comedy I Married a Witch, but his withdrawal from the project led to a delay in production; Fredric March was eventually cast as his replacement. Both films were highly successful, but also prevented a reunion with Hornblow for Hong Kong in which she was meant to co-star with Charles Boyer.

The trailer for Sullivan's Travels

Upon the United States' entrance into World War II, Lake traveled throughout the United States to raise money for war bonds. She also became a popular pin-up girl for soldiers, and participated in awareness campaigns to help decrease accidents involving women getting their hair caught in machinery. Lake's only 1943 releases were both patriotic-themed. She made an appearance in Paramount's all-star musical revue Star Spangled Rhythm performing "A Sweater, Sarong and a Peek-A-Boo Bang" with Paulette Goddard and Dorothy Lamour. Her only film of the year was So Proudly We Hail! (1943) with Goddard and Claudette Colbert, in which she received acclaim for her role of a suicidal nurse. At the peak of her career, she was earning $4,500 a week.

Personal struggles and box-office disappointments

Despite her initial success, Lake suffered a series of setbacks that ultimately derailed her career. Her complex personality quickly led to her acquiring a reputation for being difficult to work with. On Sullivan's Travels, Lake did not disclose she was six months pregnant when filming began, upsetting director Preston Sturges to the point he had to be physically restrained. Lake also clashed with co-star McCrea to the point that he dropped out of I Married a Witch, reportedly saying that "Life's too short for two films with Veronica Lake" (although he did later go on to work with her in Ramrod (1947)). His replacement Frederic March also clashed with Lake after he made crude remarks about her during pre-production. Eddie Bracken was quoted as saying, "She was known as 'The Bitch' and she deserved the title." I Married A Witch director René Clair had a differing view of Lake, saying "She was a very gifted girl, but she didn't believe she was gifted." Lake's behavior eventually spilt over into public view during a publicity stunt in which Lake's services as a dishwasher and revue performer were auctioned off for war bonds. One paper claimed Lake's "talk was on the grim side", while columnist Hedda Hopper claimed that "Lake clipped her own wings in her Boston bond appearance ... It's lucky for Lake, after Boston, that she isn't out of pictures".

With her role in The Hour Before the Dawn (1944), Lake changed her trademark hairstyle to encourage women working in war industry factories to adopt more practical, safer hairstyles. Lake had done so at the urging of the government to help decrease accidents involving women getting their hair caught in machinery. The film was not a success; Lake's image change and her unsympathetic role of Nazi spy Dora Bruckman earned negative reviews.

In late 1943, Lake took time off after undergoing a series of personal struggles. After tripping on a lighting cable while on the set of The Hour Before Dawn, Lake went into premature delivery and gave birth to a son who died shortly after birth. Within weeks, Lake had also filed for divorce from her husband. Lake also began drinking more heavily during this time.

Upon returning to work in 1944, Lake took stock of her career, claiming, "I had to learn about acting. I've played all sorts of parts, taken just what came along regardless of high merit. In fact, I've been a sort of general utility person. I haven't liked all the roles. One or two were pretty bad". Lake also expressed interest in renegotiating her deal with Paramount:

The studio feels that way about it too. They have indicated they are going to fuss more about the pictures in which I appear. I think I'll enjoy being fussed about ... I want this to be the turning point and I think that it will. I am free and clear of unpleasant characters, unless they are strongly justified. I've had a varied experience playing them and also appearing as heroines. The roles themselves haven't been noteworthy and sometimes not even especially spotlighted, but I think they've all been beneficial in one way or another. From here on there should be a certain pattern of development, and that is what I am going to fight for if necessary, though I don't believe it will be because they are so understanding here at Paramount.

Lake returned with roles in the musical Bring On the Girls (1945) with Eddie Bracken and Sonny Tufts; and Hold That Blonde with Bracken. Lake enjoyed making the film, saying "it's a comedy, rather like what Carole Lombard used to do ... It represents a real change of pace". However, neither film was successful, as were minor roles in Out of This World and Miss Susie Slagle's (1946).

Final years at Paramount and freelance

Lake and Alan Ladd in trailer for The Blue Dahlia (1946)

After her role in Miss Susie Slagle's, producer John Houseman cast Lake in the film noir The Blue Dahlia (1946). The film reunited her with Alan Ladd, who had become one of Paramount's top stars since their last pairing in The Glass Key. Lake was pleased with the role, but her performance in the film did not impress its screenwriter Raymond Chandler, who referred to her as "Moronica Lake". Nonetheless, it became her first success since So Proudly We Hail! and the largest of her career.

For the first time in her career, Lake ventured outside of Paramount with the United Artists Western Ramrod (1947). The film was directed by her then-husband Andre de Toth, in their first collaboration. The film also reunited her with Joel McCrea, despite his earlier insistence that he would not work with her again. The film was also successful, continuing her comeback.

Following a cameo in Variety Girl (1947), Lake and Ladd reunited again for the crime film Saigon (1948). Lake returned to her former peek-a-boo hairstyle for the film, which unlike their previous films was not a noir. Reaction to the film was mixed; although financial success, it received a more mixed critical reception in comparison to the couple's earlier vehicles. Coupled with the flops The Sainted Sisters and Isn't It Romantic?, Paramount opted not to renew Lake's contract in 1948.

Following her release from Paramount, Lake took a top supporting role in Slattery's Hurricane (1949). The film, directed by de Toth, was released by 20th Century Fox. She also appeared with Zachary Scott in the Western Stronghold (1951). Shot in Mexico for Lippert Pictures, Lake later described the film as "a dog" and sued for unpaid wages on the film.

Lake and de Toth announced plans to make Flanagan Boy and Before I Wake, the latter from a suspense novel by Mel Devrett. However, neither were made as the couple ran into financial difficulties. In April 1951, the IRS seized their home for unpaid taxes. Later that same year, Lake and de Toth filed for bankruptcy. Bankrupt and on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Lake left de Toth and flew alone to New York. Reflecting on her departure years later, Lake said:

"They said, 'She'll be back in a couple of months,'" recalled Lake. "Well I never returned. Enough was enough already. Did I want to be one of the walking dead or a real person?"

Lake performed in summer stock theatre and in stage roles in England. In October 1955, she collapsed in Detroit, where she had been appearing on stage in The Little Hut.

Later years

After her third divorce, Lake drifted between cheap hotels in New York City, and was arrested several times for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. In 1962, a New York Post reporter found her living at the all-women's Martha Washington Hotel in Manhattan, working as a waitress downstairs in the cocktail lounge. She was working under the name "Connie de Toth". Lake said she took the job in part because "I like people. I like to talk to them".

The reporter's widely distributed story led to speculation that Lake was destitute. After the story ran, fans of Lake sent her money which she returned as "a matter of pride". Lake vehemently denied that she was destitute and stated, "It's as though people were making me out to be down-and-out. I wasn't. I was paying $190 a month rent then, and that's a long way from being broke". The story did revive some interest in Lake and led to some television and stage appearances, including the 1963 off-Broadway revival of the musical Best Foot Forward.

In 1966, she had a brief employment as a hostess on a tv show in Baltimore, Maryland, along with a largely ignored film role in Footsteps in the Snow. She also continued appearing in stage roles. She went to Freeport in the Bahamas to visit a friend and stayed on, living there for a few years.

Lake in Flesh Feast (1970), her final film

Lake's memoirs, Veronica: The Autobiography of Veronica Lake, which she dictated to writer Donald Bain, were published in the United Kingdom in 1969 and in the United States the following year. In the book, Lake discusses her career, her failed marriages; romances with Howard Hughes, Tommy Manville and Aristotle Onassis; her alcoholism; and her guilt over not spending enough time with her children. In the book, Lake stated to Bain that her mother pushed her into a career as an actress. Bain quoted Lake, looking back at her career, as saying, "I never did cheesecake like Ann Sheridan or Betty Grable. I just used my hair". She also laughed off the term "sex symbol" and instead referred to herself as a "sex zombie".

When she visited the UK to promote her book in 1969, she received an offer to appear on stage in Madam Chairman. Also in 1969, Lake essayed the role of Blanche DuBois in a revival of A Streetcar Named Desire on the English stage; her performance won rave reviews. With the proceeds from her autobiography, after she had divided them with Bain, she co-produced and starred in her final film, Flesh Feast (1970), a low-budget horror movie with a Nazi-myth storyline.

Personal life

Lake's first marriage was to art director John S. Detlie, in 1940. They had a daughter, Elaine (born in 1941), and a son, Anthony (born July 8, 1943). According to news from the time, Lake's son was born prematurely after she tripped on a lighting cable while filming a movie. Anthony died on July 15, 1943. Lake and Detlie separated in August 1943 and divorced in December 1943.

In 1944, Lake married film director Andre de Toth with whom she had a son, Andre Anthony Michael III (known as Michael DeToth), and a daughter, Diana (born October 1948). Days before Diana's birth, Lake's mother sued her for support payments. After purchasing an airplane for de Toth, Lake earned her pilot's license in 1946. She later flew solo between Los Angeles and New York when leaving him. Lake and de Toth divorced in 1952.

In September 1955, she married songwriter Joseph Allan McCarthy. They were divorced in 1959. In 1969, she revealed that she rarely saw her children.

Death

Lake outside the gates of Paramount Pictures in 1971, two years prior to her death

In June 1973, Lake returned from her autobiography promotion and summer stock tour in England to the United States and while traveling in Vermont, visited a local doctor, complaining of stomach pains. She was discovered to have cirrhosis of the liver as a result of her years of drinking, and on June 26, she checked into the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.

She died there on July 7, 1973, of acute hepatitis and acute kidney injury. Her son Michael claimed her body. Lake's memorial service was held at the Universal Chapel in New York City on July 11.

She was cremated and, according to her wishes, her ashes were scattered off the coast of the Virgin Islands. In 2004, some of Lake's ashes were reportedly found in a New York antique store.

Legacy

For her contribution to the motion picture industry, Lake has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6918 Hollywood Boulevard.

Filmography

Lake, c. 1940s
Lake sporting a different hairstyle to the peek-a-boo one in So Proudly We Hail (1943)
Film
Year Title Role Notes
1939 Sorority House Student Uncredited, alternative title: That Girl from College
1939 The Wrong Room The Attorney's New Bride Credited as Connie Keane
1939 Dancing Co-Ed One of a Couple on a Motorcycle Uncredited
Alternative title: Every Other Inch a Lady
1939 All Women Have Secrets Jane Credited as Constance Keane
1940 Young as You Feel Bit part Credited as Constance Keane
1940 Forty Little Mothers Granville girl Uncredited
1941 I Wanted Wings Sally Vaughn First featured role
1941 Hold Back the Dawn Movie Actress Uncredited
1941 Sullivan's Travels The Girl Directed by Preston Sturges
1942 This Gun for Hire Ellen Graham First film with Alan Ladd
1942 The Glass Key Janet Henry With Alan Ladd
1942 I Married a Witch Jennifer Directed by René Clair
1942 Star Spangled Rhythm Herself One of a number of Paramount stars making cameos
1943 So Proudly We Hail! Lt. Olivia D'Arcy
1944 The Hour Before the Dawn Dora Bruckmann
1945 Bring On the Girls Teddy Collins
1945 Out of This World Dorothy Dodge
1945 Duffy's Tavern Herself One of a number of Paramount stars making cameos
1945 Hold That Blonde Sally Martin
1946 Miss Susie Slagle's Nan Rogers
1946 The Blue Dahlia Joyce Harwood With Alan Ladd
1947 Ramrod Connie Dickason Directed by her then-husband Andre de Toth; first film made outside Paramount since becoming a star
1947 Variety Girl Herself One of a number of Paramount stars making cameos
1948 Saigon Susan Cleaver Last film with Alan Ladd
1948 The Sainted Sisters Letty Stanton
1948 Isn't It Romantic? Candy Cameron
1949 Slattery's Hurricane Dolores Greaves Directed by André de Toth
1951 Stronghold Mary Stevens
1966 Footsteps in the Snow Therese
1970 Flesh Feast Dr. Elaine Frederick Alternative title: Time Is Terror
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1950 Your Show of Shows Herself – Guest Performer Episode #2.11
1950 Lights Out Mercy Device Episode: "Beware This Woman"
1950–1953 Lux Video Theatre Various 3 episodes
1951 Somerset Maugham TV Theatre Valerie Episode: "The Facts of Life"
1952 Celanese Theatre Abby Fane Episode: "Brief Moment"
1952 Tales of Tomorrow Paula Episode: "Flight Overdue"
1952 Goodyear Television Playhouse Judy "Leni" Howard Episode: "Better Than Walking"
1953 Danger Episode: "Inside Straight"
1954 Broadway Television Theatre Nancy Willard Episode: "The Gramercy Ghost"

Selected stage credits

Theatre
Play Venue Her run
Thought for Food Bliss Hayden Theatre, Beverly Hills 1939: January–February
She Made Her Bed Bliss Hayden Theatre, Beverly Hills 1939: July–August
Private Confusion Bliss Hayden Theatre, Beverly Hills 1940: October
Direct Hit 1944: June
The Voice of the Turtle Atlanta 1951: February
The Curtain Rises Olney Theatre 1951
Peter Pan Road tour 1951
Brief Moment 1952
Gramercy Hill 1952
Masquerade Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia 1953
The Little Hut Road tour, including:
Erlanger Theatre, Buffalo
Murat Theatre, Indianapolis
Shubert Theatre, Detroit
Shubert Theatre, Cincinnati
1955:
September
October
Bell Book and Candle 1956
Fair Game Road tour, including:
Arena Playhouse, Atlanta
Hinsdale Strawhatter, Chicago
1959: July
Best Foot Forward Stage 73 (Off-Broadway), Manhattan 1963
Madam Chairman Tour of English provinces 1969
A Streetcar Named Desire New Theatre, Bromley 1969

In popular culture

Veronica Lake circa 1950

Veronica Lake's image was used as a sight gag in the 1942 film The Major and the Minor with Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland.

Clips from her role in The Glass Key (1942) were integrated into the 1982 film Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid as character Monica Stillpond.

Lake was one of the models for the animated character Jessica Rabbit in the 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, especially for her hairstyle.

In the 1997 film L.A. Confidential, Kim Basinger won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of a prostitute who is a Veronica Lake look-alike.

A geographical feature called "Lake Veronica" was a recurring joke in the Rocky and Bullwinkle series and film.

In the video game BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea (2013–14), the visual style of the character Elizabeth was inspired by Veronica Lake's femme fatale roles.

In Moose: Chapters from My Life, Robert B. Sherman's 2013 posthumously released autobiography, he writes about his teenage friendship with Lake.

Clara Paget plays Lake in the 2021 film The Lost Blonde: The Veronica Lake Story.

In April, 2023, Sparks released "Veronica Lake", a single from their album The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte. The song describes how Lake was asked to change her hairstyle so that women on the war assembly lines who imitated it wouldn't harm themselves by catching their hair in the machinery, and that, by agreeing to do so, she voluntarily gave up much of the popularity that she had gained by her distinctive hairstyle.

Radio appearances

Date Program Episode/source
March 30, 1943 Lux Radio Theater I Wanted Wings
February 9, 1943 Bob Hope Guest star Paulette Goddard and Veronica Lake
February 16, 1943 Burns and Allen Guest star Veronica Lake
November 1, 1943 Lux Radio Theater So Proudly We Hail!
January 8, 1944 Command Performance Guest star Veronica Lake
February 18, 1945 Charlie McCarthy Guest stars Ginny Simms and Veronica Lake
April 2, 1945 The Screen Guild Theater This Gun for Hire
November 18, 1946 Lux Radio Theatre O.S.S.
April 20, 1947 Exploring the Unknown The Dark Curtain
April 21, 1949 The Screen Guild Theater The Blue Dahlia
March 6, 1950 Lux Radio Theatre Slattery's Hurricane
December 15, 1950 Duffy's Tavern "Archie Wants Veronica Lake to Help Promote a New Latin Singer"
December 12, 1954 The Jack Benny Program "A Trip to Palm Springs"

References

Footnotes

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  2. Parrish, Robert James (1972). The Paramount Pretties. Arlington House. p. 410. ISBN 0-025-08170-5.
  3. Thomas, Calvin Beck (1978). Scream Queens: Heroines of the Horrors. Macmillan. p. 169. ISBN 0-025-08170-5.
  4. Burroughs Hannsberry, Karen (1998). Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film. McFarland. p. 300. ISBN 0-786-40429-9.
  5. "Cause for Blast on Tankship Is Undetermined". Delaware County Daily Times. Chester, Pennsylvania. February 10, 1932. pp. 1, 11. Retrieved May 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  6. "I, Veronica". Life. Vol. 14, no. 20. May 17, 1943. p. 78. ISSN 0024-3019.
  7. "I, Veronica". Life. Vol. 14, no. 20. May 17, 1943. p. 82.
  8. ^ "Cinderell Girl of '41". Chicago Daily Tribune. February 23, 1941. p. 3.
  9. Chierichetti 2004, p. 70
  10. "Current Films". Los Angeles Times. January 29, 1939. p. C4.
  11. Von Blon, Katherine (August 21, 1939). "She Made Her Bed". Los Angeles Times. p. 9.
  12. "I, Veronica". Life. Vol. 14, no. 20. May 17, 1943. p. 77. ISSN 0024-3019.
  13. Strauss, Theodore (November 8, 1942). "Veronica Lake, Full Face". The New York Times. p. X3.
  14. "Veronica Lake is Paramount's Bid for Year's Best Glamor Starlet". Life. Vol. 10, no. 9. March 3, 1941. p. 83. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  15. ^ Gale, Bill (August 24, 1969). "Lake: 'To Work ... and to Live': Veronica Lake". New York Times. p. D13.
  16. ^ "'Peek-a-Boo' Star Veronica Lake Hepatitis Victim". The Victoria Advocate. July 8, 1973. p. 6-A. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  17. Churchill, Douglas (April 2, 1941). "Warners Buys the Corn is Green". The New York Times. p. 27.
  18. "Ladd, Lake Together In 'Saigon'". The Deseret News. March 3, 1948. p. 13. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  19. "Of Local Origin". The New York Times. October 24, 1941. p. 27.
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  22. ^ Starr 2003, pp. 128–29
  23. Steffen, James. "Sullivan's Travels". Turner Classic Movies.
  24. Robert Osborne, Turner Classic Movies, October 6, 2010
  25. ' Stafford, Jeff. "I Married a Witch". Turner Classic Movies'.
  26. (Donnelley 2003, p. 392)
  27. Parish & Pitts 2003, p. 480
  28. (Terkel 1999, p. 168)
  29. "Tobin Shines As Butler At Bond Lunch: $100,000 Luncheon Served at Tobin Home". The Christian Science Monitor. Boston. June 13, 1944. p. 1.
  30. Hopper, Hedda (July 20, 1944). "Sonny Sings a Song!". The Washington Post. p. 5.
  31. ^ Schallert, Edwin (July 8, 1945). "Change of Pace in Roles Beckons Veronica Lake: Star to Pause at Career's Crossroads Roles to Shift for Veronica". Los Angeles Times. p. C1.
  32. Hiney 1999, p. 154
  33. "Veronica Lake, Named as Film Suit Claimant". Los Angeles Times. March 28, 1962. p. 34.
  34. Schallert, Edwin (March 11, 1950). "Drama: D'Arrast, Glazer Plan Spanish Feature; Power Debates British Stage". Los Angeles Times. p. 11.
  35. "Actress Loses Home For Not Paying Tax". Lodi News–Sentinel. April 7, 1951. p. 8. Archived from the original on October 27, 2015. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  36. "Veronica Lake Says She's Bankrupt". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. August 17, 1951. p. 1. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  37. ^ Klemesrud, Judy (March 14, 1971). "What Ever Happened to Veronica Lake?". The Palm Beach Post. p. C6. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  38. "Veronica Lake In Hospital". The Age. October 28, 1955. p. 1. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  39. "Veronica Lake is a Waitress Now". The Milwaukee Journal. March 22, 1962. p. 11. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  40. "Once Glittering Star: Veronica Lake Now Cocktail Waitress". Los Angeles Times. March 23, 1962. p. 2.
  41. ^ "Actress Veronica Lake Dies In Vermont Hospital". The Virgin Island Daily News. July 9, 1973. p. 2. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
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  45. "Veronica Lake's Baby, Born Prematurely, Dies". Reading Eagle. July 16, 1943. p. 18. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
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  49. "Veronica Lake Weds Ex-County Tunesmith". The Herald. September 4, 1955. p. 2. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  50. Vermont Death Records, 1909–2003. Vermont State Archives and Records Administration, Montpelier, Vermont.
  51. Hudson, Edward (July 8, 1973). "Veronica Lake, 53, Movie Star With the Peekaboo Hair, Dead". The New York Times.
  52. "Veronica Lake to Be Buried in Islands". The Virgin Islands Daily News. July 11, 1973. p. 1.
  53. "Rites for Miss Lake Today". The New York Times. July 11, 1973.
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  56. "Beware This Woman". Internet Archive. Archived from the original on September 11, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
  57. Review at Variety
  58. "Veronica Lake Is Added To War Loan Show Cast: Bay State Quota Other Ovations". The Christian Science Monitor. June 9, 1944. p. 2.
  59. "Veronica Taking Lead Role". The New York Times. July 20, 1951. p. 13.
  60. "Veronica Lake Will Hit Strawhat Trail at Olney". The Washington Post. August 26, 1951. p. L-2.
  61. Calta, Louis (October 25, 1952). "Stage Lead for Veronica Lake: Film Actress May Make Debut on Broadway in 'Masquerade,' Birchard-Stagg Comedy". The New York Times. p. 2.
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  64. ^ "Veronica's 'Hut' 8G Indpls". Variety. 1955-10-19. p. 72. Retrieved 2021-04-27 – via Internet Archive.
  65. ^ "Beronica-'Hut' 8G, Det". Variety. 1955-10-26. p. 57. Retrieved 2021-04-27 – via Internet Archive.
  66. ^ "Veronica Lake $10,000 In 'Little Hut' Cincy". Variety. 1955-10-12. p. 73. Retrieved 2021-04-27 – via Internet Archive.
  67. ^ "Science Teacher is Summertime Producer". Variety. 1959-07-08. p. 89. Retrieved 2021-04-27 – via Internet Archive.
  68. ^ "Chatter | Chicago". Variety. 1959-07-15. p. 86. Retrieved 2021-04-27 – via Internet Archive.
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Sources

Further reading

External links

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