In a heartfelt tribute to the golden age of Hollywood, we bid farewell to the extraordinary talent and timeless beauty of Noreen Nash, a beloved actress who recently passed away at the remarkable age of ninety-nine. The news of her peaceful departure from this world, due to natural causes, reverberated through the enchanting streets of Beverly Hills, where she resided until her final moments. With a career spanning over two decades, Noreen Nash made an indelible mark on the silver screen during one of the most captivating eras in Tinseltown’s history.
Born in the breathtaking landscapes of Washington State, Noreen Nash’s eldest son, Lee Siegel Jr., confirmed her departure on a somber Tuesday, speaking candidly with the esteemed Hollywood Reporter. The tender words he shared commemorated his mother’s illustrious journey and solemnly acknowledged her passing, which occurred just a few days prior, on a poignant Thursday.
Throughout her captivating Hollywood tenure, Noreen Nash graced the celluloid canvas with a multitude of memorable roles. One of her most celebrated performances was that of Becky Devers, a Texan cotton farmer and the daughter of the esteemed character portrayed by J. Carrol Naish. This enchanting portrayal came to life in the iconic 1945 Jean Renoir drama, aptly titled “The Southerner,” a cinematic gem that enthralled audiences during the glorious heyday of 1940s Hollywood.
Over a decade later, Noreen Nash, known at birth as Norabelle Jean Roth, showcased her unparalleled versatility by immersing herself in the role of Frances Henderson, an axe murderer, in the 1958 western masterpiece, “The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold,” skillfully directed by Lesley Selander. This stunning portrayal demonstrated Nash’s ability to captivate viewers with her portrayal of complex and multifaceted characters.
Noreen Nash, a true embodiment of beauty and grace, possessed striking blue eyes and luscious dark hair that further enhanced her on-screen allure. Beyond the aforementioned roles, she graced the silver screen with a captivating cameo appearance in George Stevens’ 1956 film, where she brilliantly portrayed the glamorous Hollywood star Lona Lane. This nostalgic masterpiece, set in the aftermath of World War II, captured the essence of a bygone era, and Nash’s contribution added a touch of glamour to the enthralling tale, particularly in the scene depicting Lane’s involvement in the grand opening of the Emperador Hotel.
In a revealing interview with the esteemed Western Clippings website, Nash fondly recalled her experience working on the aforementioned film. She candidly shared, “What I remember most is, by the time I got on that picture, director George Stevens and James Dean were at each other.” With a hint of nostalgia, she added, “Dean did his usual mumbling, and Stevens kept saying, ‘This script cost a lot of money. I want to hear those words!’ George didn’t like James’s style of acting!”
Nash’s journey into the realm of Hollywood began when fate intervened at a renowned celebrity haunt, the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. It was there that she caught the discerning eye of Louis Schurr, the astute agent representing the legendary Bob Hope. This fortuitous encounter occurred shortly after Nash’s coronation as the Apple Blossom Queen, a prestigious accolade she received at the tender age of eighteen.
Seizing the opportunity to embark on her silver screen odyssey, Nash signed a contract with MGM under the name “Norreen Roth.” She graced the screens in numerous films, including the iconic musical “Girl Crazy,” directed by Norman Taurog and choreographed by the renowned Busby Berkeley. In this remarkable production, Noreen Nash shared the screen with the likes of the indomitable Mickey Rooney and the enchanting Judy Garland, propelling her career to unprecedented heights.
After bidding farewell to her acting career in 1926, Noreen Nash continued to pursue her intellectual passions, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA in 1971. Driven by her creativity and eloquence, she ventured into the realm of literature and penned the captivating novel “By Love Fulfilled,” which was published to critical acclaim in 1980. Additionally, she co-authored the remarkable 2015 book titled “Titans of the Muses: When Henry Miller Met Jean Renoir,” leaving an indelible mark on the literary world.
The passing of Noreen Nash leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her adoring fans and the Hollywood community at large. Her legacy as an extraordinary actress, an embodiment of timeless beauty, and a multifaceted creative force will be deeply cherished and forever etched in the annals of cinema history.
