Janis Carter


Janis Carter was a film and television actress working in the 1940s and 1950s.

Early years

Carter was born Janis Elinore Dremann in Cleveland, Ohio. She changed her last name because people had trouble pronouncing it and spelling it, choosing her grandmother's maiden name as her new last name.
After initial training as a pianist, Carter changed to singing when she was 8 years old. Her elementary and secondary education was provided by schools in East Cleveland, Ohio. After that, she attended Western Reserve University, graduating with two degrees — bachelor of arts and bachelor of music. She also participated in dramatics in college.

Career

After attending Mather College in Cleveland, Ohio, Carter headed to New York in an attempt to start a career in opera. Although that goal was unsuccessful, when she was subsequently working on Broadway she was spotted on stage by Darryl F. Zanuck, who signed her to a movie deal. Her Broadway credits included Du Barry Was a Lady and Virginia.
After moving to Hollywood, she appeared in over 30 films beginning in 1941 for 20th Century Fox, MGM, Columbia, and RKO. She appeared in the films Night Editor and Framed with Glenn Ford, and Flying Leathernecks with John Wayne. After leaving Los Angeles, Carter returned to New York and found work in television in comedies and dramas and as hostess for the quiz show Feather Your Nest opposite Bud Collyer.

Personal life

She was married to Carl Prager, a musician and composer, from 1942 to 1951, but the couple divorced. In 1956, she married Julius Stulman, a New York lumber and shipping tycoon, and quit show business. They remained together until her death.

Death

She died from a heart attack, on July 30, 1994, aged 80, in Durham, North Carolina.

Partial filmography