Clarke, Mae

Born in 1920, Mae Clarke grew up in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Performing as a dance by her early teens, she was soon performing in New York City supper clubs. It was here she met and married Lew Brice, brother of performer Fanny Brice. The young couple performed on Broadway and Clarke was soon offered a Hollywood screen test. She began her film career in 1929, and in 1931 came to national attention with her performances in The Public Enemy, Frankenstein, Waterloo Bridge, and The Front Page. She continued to perform in film and television until 1971, when she retired to teach drama. Clarke died in 1992.

Source:

The Los Angeles Times. "Mae Clarke, Famed for Grapefruit Scene, Dies". Los Angeles, California. April 30, 1992. pgs. B1, B8