Morley, Karen (1919-2003)

Karen Morley was a film actor active in the 1930s known for her testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Born as Mildred Linton on December 12, 1909 in Ottumwa, Iowa, Morley moved to Los Angeles, California in the 1920s. After Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer scouted Morley during this time, she performed in films including Mata Hari (1931), The Mask of Fu Manchu, and the Howard Hughes-produced Scarface (1932). In 1947, Morley testified before HUAC due to accusations of Communist Party affiliations, but refused to answer questions and subsequently suspended her acting career. She would work as a political activist for the remainder of her life, but briefly performed in television roles in the 1970s. Morley died on March 8, 2003 in Woodland Hills, California.

Source:

"Karen Morley, 93, a Movie Star Until a Congressional Hearing." New York Times. April 27, 2003. Accessed April 28, 2022. https://www.proquest.com/hnplatimes/docview/92687660/pageviewPDF/BC5CEC0A8DC344FDPQ