Marilyn Betty Erskine, a gentle redhead with a peaches and cream complexion, began her journey in show business at a remarkably early age, possibly inspired by her father Robert, who managed the New York City Credit Bureau. By the tender age of three, Marilyn was already making waves on the airwaves at a Buffalo radio station.
Throughout the years, she graced numerous nationwide radio shows, including The Cavalcade of America, Radio City Playhouse, and Let's Pretend, between 1948 and 1960. Her theatrical experience was equally impressive, with extensive appearances on and off-Broadway in plays such as The Primrose Path, Our Town, and The Linden Tree, from the age of eleven.
One notable incident during her time in The Shining Hour, starring Jane Cowl, left a lasting impression on Marilyn. She recalled: "I was supposed to trip lightly down a flight of stairs and get on with the dialogue. But-on the top stair I tripped and fell the whole flight right into the arms of Miss Cowl. Personally, I think mine was an entrance that never has been topped!"
Marilyn's foray into the world of cinema began in 1949, though her film roles were often limited to small supporting parts. A possible highlight was her portrayal of Eddie Cantor's wife Ida in The Eddie Cantor Story (1953). However, television proved to be a more rewarding medium for her, as she amassed an impressive resume in anthology drama appearances between 1953 and 1962.
She also had a recurring role in the short-lived CBS sitcom The Tom Ewell Show (1960) as the star's wife Fran. Towards the close of her career, Marilyn featured in notable roles in Perry Mason (1957) and Ironside (1967),both starring Raymond Burr.
Marilyn's personal life was marked by three marriages. Her first union, with renowned director and producer Stanley Kramer, lasted a mere two months. She was subsequently married to Dr. Samuel Eugene Neikrug for five years. Her third and final marriage was to Charles William Curland, a senior partner in the Los Angeles insurance firm of Curland, Moss & Meltzer. Together, they had two children, and Curland passed away in 2012.
