Joy Hodges

Biography

Frances Eloise Hodges, who died in California on 19 January 2003 following a stroke, was not only a successful singer and actor, but will also be remembered for her part in launching Ronald Reagan's film career by getting him to 'ditch the glasses.' This he did, and the rest is history. She was born on 29 January 1915 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Verne Hodges and his wife. At the age of eight, she became one half of the Bluebird Twins, performing across Iowa, and later at high school was part of a trio named the Crooning Co-eds. Married three times, firstly to Gil Doorly from 1939 - 1941, then to Paul Helmund and finally, until his death, to Eugene Scheiss, she appeared frequently on stage, in films and on TV and radio. Her career began when she won a talent contest at the Paramount Theatre, and in 1935 she signed a 5-year contract with RKO. She appeared with Fred Astaire in Follow the Fleet (1936) and in 1937 was singing at Hollywood's Biltmore Bowl and in various Broadway musicals, including 'I'd Rather Be Right'. In 1946 she had the lead role in 'Nellie Bly', and as late as 1972 took over from Ruby Keeler in the Broadway revival of 'No, No, Nanette'. Ronald Reagan kept in touch with Joy for over 60 years, and she was a frequent guest at the White House, where she once sat next to President Gorbachev at dinner.