Miriam Lois Frankel, a remarkable individual, was born on September 21, 1919, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, to Daniel Frankel, a salesman who later shifted his focus to producing nightclub shows, and Miriam Elizabeth (Bly) Frankel, a talented seamstress who went on to establish a successful career in the wardrobe department of the show business, showcasing her exceptional skills and expertise.
As a young woman, Miriam made her Broadway debut at the tender age of 19 in the musical revue "Sing Out the News" (1938),sharing the stage with the incredibly gifted June Allyson, whose captivating performances included the iconic song "Sing Ho for Private Enterprise", leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Two weeks following the devastating surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Miriam embarked on a new chapter in her life by tying the knot with Gene Nelson, a fellow dancer and actor. The newlywed couple subsequently relocated to Los Angeles, where their fortunes were about to take a dramatic and unforeseen turn.
During a casual lunch at Paramount, Miriam had a chance encounter with an old friend from New York, which, as fate would have it, culminated in her being gifted a seven-year contract to work as an actress and dancer. This groundbreaking opportunity marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, leading to a string of notable on-screen appearances.
One of her most notable performances was as the secretary to Edward G. Robinson in the classic film noir "Double Indemnity" (1944),showcasing her impressive range as a straight actress. Additionally, Miriam's versatility as a dancer was showcased in the popular radio show-turned-film "Duffy's Tavern" (1945).
After her divorce from Gene Nelson in 1956, Miriam made the bold decision to dedicate herself entirely to a full-time career in choreography, leveraging her extensive expertise to bring her unique creative vision to a wide range of television projects, including the iconic "The Red Skelton Hour", the heartwarming family drama "Father Knows Best", the beloved sitcom "The Lucy Show", the popular nautical adventure series "The Love Boat", and the esteemed mystery drama "Murder, She Wrote".
Miriam's impressive choreographic skills were first showcased on the big screen in the crime comedy "He Laughed Last" (1956),directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Blake Edwards, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career in Hollywood. Decades later, her final screen credit was for the romantic drama "Out of the Cold" (2001),starring the talented Keith Carradine, which was released on DVD in the year 2001, a testament to her enduring influence on the world of dance and entertainment.
