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Elaine Riley

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Elaine Riley
Elaine Riley pinup photo, 1944
Born(1917-01-15)January 15, 1917
DiedDecember 7, 2015(2015-12-07) (aged 98)
OccupationFilm actress
Years active1943–1960
SpouseRichard Martin (1946-1994) (his death)[1]

Elaine Riley (January 15, 1917 – December 7, 2015) was an American film and television actress.

Early years

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The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Riley,[2] Riley was born in East Liverpool, Ohio, on January 15, 1917. She won the Miss East Liverpool beauty title and was runner-up for the Miss Ohio title in 1937.[3] Riley also was a graduate of the Traphagen School of Fashion,[4] and was a model for Powers and Hattie Carnegie model in New York at the age of 18.

Using the name Elaine Gray, Riley sang with a dance-music orchestra in several cities, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[5]

Film

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Riley entered Hollywood in 1943 as an extra for RKO Pictures, debuting in Higher and Higher. She left her job as secretary to the managing director of WINS radio in New York City to pursue her career in movies.[4]

In 1946, she signed with Paramount Pictures, where she became a recurring leading lady for Hopalong Cassidy. She worked with stars such as William Boyd, Charles Laughton, Tim Holt and Gene Autry.[6]

Television

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Riley appeared in two episodes of The Lone Ranger[6] and in The Lineup in an episode broadcast on January 4, 1957.[7] Riley also appeared as Mildred Stone in an episode of The Cisco Kid. She also appeared in Highway Patrol, Episode 101, "Reformation". She appeared in a Superman episode "The Atomic Captive" in 1958.

Later years

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She retired from acting in 1960, having more than 70 credits to her name. In 2004, Elaine Riley won the Golden Boot Awards, which honour actors, actresses, and crew members who have made significant contributions to the genre of Western television and movies.[8] She died on December 7, 2015, aged 98.[where?][9]

Personal life

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In 1946, Riley married actor Richard Martin, whom she met on the set of a film.[10] They only appeared together in one film, Rider from Tucson, from 1950. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1994.[6]

Selected filmography

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Elaine Riley, actress - obituary".
  2. ^ "Elaine Riley Co-Stars With 'Gildersleeve' In New Comedy By RKO". The Evening Review. April 15, 1944. p. 6. Retrieved July 21, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  3. ^ "Cleveland Girl is 'Miss Ohio'". The Evening Independent. August 26, 1937. p. 1. Retrieved July 21, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  4. ^ a b "Head-Turning (photo caption)" (PDF). Broadcasting. June 21, 1943. p. 22. Retrieved July 21, 2015.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ "Around Our Town". The Evening Review. December 27, 1940. p. 7. Retrieved July 21, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  6. ^ a b c Elaine Riley profile. Ladies of the Western: Interview with 25 Actresses from the Silent Era to... October 30, 2009. ISBN 9780786439386. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  7. ^ "Former City Girl Appears In TV Drama". The Evening Review. January 5, 1957. p. 10. Retrieved July 21, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  8. ^ "Elaine Riley, actress". East Liverpool Historical Society. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  9. ^ "ELAINE RILEY (1917- 2015)". Legacy. December 28, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  10. ^ "Richard Martin of Newport, 'Chito' of Films, Dies at 75". Los Angeles Times. September 5, 1994. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
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