Donna Damerel (July 8, 1912 – February 15, 1941) was an American actress and radio performer whose brief career bridged vaudeville, early network radio, and a single feature-film adaptation of her most famous program.
Early years
Damerel was born in Chicago on July 8, 1912, the daughter of vaudeville performers George Damerel and Myrtle Vail. She had one brother. At 15, she left home to join the chorus of a musical comedy—echoing her mother’s own decision to leave home at the same age to pursue performing. She later worked with her parents as part of their vaudeville act.
Career
When vaudeville’s decline ended the family’s touring livelihood, the Damerels initially remained financially stable, but later lost their savings and faced serious hardship. Damerel and her mother shifted into radio work, and on November 2, 1931, they debuted Myrt and Marge in Chicago, with Damerel playing Marge (the daughter) and Vail playing Myrt (the mother).
In 1932, a radio-magazine poll named Damerel radio’s “it girl,” with listeners praising her overall appeal, microphone presence, and voice.
Damerel and Vail brought their radio popularity to the screen in Myrt and Marge (1933), a Universal film based on the program. In 1938, they also appeared on stage in Yes, My Darling Daughter in Yonkers, New York, at the Warburton Theatre.
Personal life
Damerel divorced singer William J. Kretsinger on December 22, 1939. At the time of her death, she was married to Peter J. Fick. She had two sons from earlier marriages; one of them was Charles B. Griffith, who later became a director and screenwriter.
Death
Damerel died on February 15, 1941, at Englewood Hospital in Englewood, New Jersey, shortly after giving birth to a son. She was 28. The baby survived. Doctors noted that her health had seemed normal when she entered the hospital, making the sudden outcome especially shocking to those around her.
