Shirley Deane, a radiant and charismatic individual, embarked on a journey in the world of dance at the tender age of seven, simultaneously honing her skills in playing the piano. Her impressive early start laid the groundwork for a successful career on stage, which began in San Francisco before she made her way to Hollywood, where she won a dancing beauty contest that marked the beginning of her professional journey.
Shirley's remarkable singing voice caught the attention of 20th Century Fox, leading to her signing with the prestigious studio. She spent several years training in 'tock school' and was primarily assigned to extra work. However, her talent and dedication eventually earned her featured roles, and her first significant speaking part was in the 1936 film Charlie Chan at the Circus, where she made a striking impression as a platinum blonde.
Her impressive performance in Charlie Chan at the Circus led to her being picked from a pool of 14 other hopefuls for the lead role in the comedy-drama The First Baby (1936). This breakthrough role marked the beginning of her association with the Jones Family film series, a modest rival to MGM's popular Hardy family. Shirley often played the role of Bonnie, the eldest daughter, alongside Jed Prouty and Spring Byington, who headed the small-town clan.
As the Jones Family series came to an end, Shirley's contract with Fox expired, and she went on to appear in a minor crime drama, Undercover Agent (1939). Her final lead role was in the 1940 cult classic Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe, where she played the role of Princess Aura.
Despite her impressive voice, which was initially seen as a major asset, it was only used once in the movies, in a minor Gene Autry western, Prairie Moon (1938). After her movie career began to wane, Shirley turned her attention to radio, appearing on Kraft Music Hall and Lux Radio Theatre. She also performed on stage on the East Coast, guested as an occasional vocalist with swing bands, and sang at USO canteens.
During World War II, Shirley contributed to the war effort by putting together musical reviews and selling war bonds and stamps in theatre lobbies between shows. However, after 1952, Shirley essentially retired from show business and devoted herself to raising a family. She passed away in April 1983 at the age of 70 due to cancer in Glendale, California.
