Gwen Lee


Gwen Lee was an American stage and film actress. Lee began her career as a model before being discovered and signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. She was typically cast in supporting roles. Lee appeared in over 60 films, and she retired in 1938.

Acting career

Born to Mriette and Frank B. Lepinski in Hastings, Nebraska, Lee began her career as a department store model. She was discovered by director Monta Bell while appearing in a stage production. She signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1925. The same year, she made her film debut in Lady of the Night, starring Norma Shearer. She followed with roles in Pretty Ladies, starring Zasu Pitts, His Secretary, and The Plastic Age, starring Clara Bow. In 1926, Lee was cast in The Lone Wolf Returns, starring Bert Lytell and Billie Dove.
In 1928, she was named a WAMPAS Baby Star. Lee continued her career with supporting roles in Laugh, Clown, Laugh and The Actress. Her career continued for almost a decade into the era of sound movies. Lee played Marjory in Untamed, with Joan Crawford and Robert Montgomery. She appeared again with Crawford and Marie Prevost in the prison drama Paid. In 1931 MGM released Gwen Lee from its roster.
Independent companies were often delighted to sign major-studio stars, particularly those who had the advantage of MGM exposure and publicity. Both Harry Carey and Edwina Booth, who co-starred in MGM's Trader Horn, signed with Nat Levine's humble Mascot studio after being dropped by MGM. Levine also signed MGM personality Gwen Lee to appear opposite football star Red Grange in the serial The Galloping Ghost. From there Lee made the rounds of the independent studios, appearing in such diverse entertainments as the crime drama The Lawless Woman with former silent star Vera Reynolds, the Western Broadway to Cheyenne with Rex Bell, and the two-reel comedy Boy, Oh Boy with Andy Clyde.
Gwen Lee rejoined MGM in 1935 as a member of the studio's stock company. No longer given starring or featured roles, she was on hand to fill incidental parts as the need arose. In the first scene of The Marx Brothers' famous MGM feature A Night at the Opera, Groucho Marx hands a restaurant bill to his surprised dinner companion -- Gwen Lee. She also had small roles in MGM features of the mid- to late 1930s, as well as in the studio's Robert Benchley and Pete Smith comedy shorts.

Personal life

Lee was sued by her mother Etta Lepinski, in March 1932. Lee was charged in a petition for guardianship. The lawsuit alleged that Lee was incompetent to handle her affairs, specifically she was incapable of managing her jewellery and personal property, valued in excess of $1,000. The case was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Lee's mother dropped the suit in April, citing improvement in her daughter's health. Later that same year, Lee was also sued by two clothiers for nonpayment.
On May 4, 1943, she married George Mence, Jr.

Death

Lee died on August 20, 1961, age 56, from undisclosed causes in Reno, Nevada.

Filmography

Additional sources

  • The Los Angeles Times, Maytime Will Have Ensemble, August 19, 1923, Page III 37.
  • The Los Angeles Times, Gwen Appears, August 14, 1925, Page A9.
  • The Los Angeles Times, Another Discovery, August 30, 1925, Page D18.
  • The Los Angeles Times, Quartet of Beauties Who Will Vie for Eastern Star Cup, Page B2.
  • The Los Angeles Times, Film Displays Fashions, October 20, 1925, Page A11.
  • The Los Angeles Times, Actress Sued On Clothes Account, May 24, 1932, Page A8.