Armilda Jane Owen, later known as Pamela Britton, was a multifaceted and accomplished individual, boasting a remarkable talent for acting, singing, and stage performance.
Her mother, the esteemed Ethel Owen, was a renowned stage, radio, and early television actress who not only nurtured Pam's nascent interest in the performing arts but also served as a constant source of inspiration and guidance.
On the other hand, Pam's father, the respected and accomplished Raymond G. Owen, was a medical professional who, unfortunately, passed away prior to 1944, leaving a lasting impact on his family and a legacy that would continue to shape Pam's life and career.
Pam's family consisted of two sisters, one of whom, Virginia Owen, was an accomplished actress who was under contract with RKO Radio, while the other, Mary Owen, was a dedicated social worker residing in Fort Worth, Texas.
Pam's educational background began at State Teacher's Normal School, where she flourished academically and discovered a talent for school plays. Her passion for extracurricular activities continued to grow as she also developed a strong affinity for horseback riding, tennis, and swimming during her time at Holy Angels Academy in Milwaukee.
In her later years, Pam's interests shifted towards golf, and she became an avid enthusiast of the sport.
Pamela's illustrious journey in the world of theater commenced at the tender age of nine, where she initially began her professional endeavors in summer stock productions. It was during this formative period that she was offered a life-changing opportunity to emulate the renowned Shirley Temple, a prospect that arose when she was merely ten years old. However, her astute mother, possessing a profound understanding of the entertainment industry, declined this chance, opting instead to focus on cultivating Pamela's acting talents rather than propelling her towards the fleeting spotlight of child stardom.
As Pamela's mother, a talented thespian in her own right, took to the Broadway stage at the age of 15, Pamela began making appearances, gradually developing her craft and honing her skills. Nonetheless, she soon discovered that her mother's success led to an insurmountable burden, as people expected her to be equally accomplished, a realization that prompted her to rebrand herself by changing her name, thereby distancing herself from the inevitable comparisons and forging a unique identity in the competitive world of show business.
Pamela, a talented vocalist, was initially discovered by renowned bandleader Don McGuire, who was so impressed by her remarkable singing abilities that he offered her a position as the lead singer of his band. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career, as she embarked on a tour with the band, captivating audiences with her enchanting voice. In addition to performing with the band, Pam also had the opportunity to showcase her talents at the iconic Latin Quarter nightclub in New York City.
However, it was her breakthrough role in the Broadway production of Oklahoma! that truly catapulted Pam to stardom. Initially, she was cast as the understudy for the esteemed actress Celeste Holm, who played the role of Laurie Williams. As fate would have it, Pam's exceptional talent and dedication eventually earned her the chance to take over the role of Ado Annie, a part that had previously been played by Celeste Holm.
Pamela's cinematic debut was marked by a pivotal performance as the captivating love interest of the legendary Frank Sinatra in the iconic 1945 film, Anchors Aweigh.
