Minna Gombell

A doctor's daughter, the versatile actress 'Minna Gombell' (qv) had a successful career on the stage from 1912 to the end of the 1920's, appearing often in comedic roles, almost always in leads. She had a reputation as a fast learner, capable of reading and comprehending a script in a matter of hours. This ability served her well as an understudy early in her career. She made her Broadway debut in 1913 in 'Madam President' and later appeared in several productions of her stage director husband 'Myron C. Fagan' (qv) (for instance,'Nancy's Private Affair',1930).Minna began her film career in 1929. Although her specialty was street-wise, tough-talking blondes, she displayed quite a repertoire of varied characters during her movie career. She was best friend and steadying influence on 'Sally Eilers' (qv) in _Bad Girl (1931)_ (qv), a conflicted and unhappy mother in _After Tomorrow (1932)_ (qv), the cold wife of _The Thin Man (1934)_ (qv), a waspish wife in _Babbitt (1934)_ (qv), brassy burlesque performers in _Stepping Sisters (1932)_ (qv), a spunky wagon-line owner in _Doomed Caravan (1941)_ (qv), and a tough nurse presiding over _The Snake Pit (1948)_ (qv). She also had occasional leads, for instance as the gold-digger Stella in _Bachelor's Affairs (1932)_ (qv), a comedy with 'Adolphe Menjou' (qv). An underrated actress, she enlivened many a film with her presence.::I.S.Mowis