Virginia Lee O'Brien, a strikingly tall and dark-haired performer with a multifaceted career in both singing and acting, earned a reputation for herself under various monikers, including the enigmatic "Miss Deadpan", the intriguing "Frozen Face", and the captivating "Miss Ice Glacier", all of which were inspired by her remarkable ability to deliver a song with a seemingly inscrutable, Sphinx-like demeanor.
Born into a family with a deep and abiding connection to the world of entertainment, Virginia's uncle was the highly acclaimed film director Lloyd Bacon, whose impressive body of work left an indelible mark on the industry.
Virginia's fascination with the enchanting world of music and dance began to blossom at a remarkably young age, setting the stage for a spectacular career in the entertainment industry. This innate passion would eventually culminate in a groundbreaking opportunity in 1939, when she landed a coveted singing role in the Los Angeles production of the captivating musical comedy, "Meet the People". As the curtains drew open on opening night, Virginia's excitement and nerves merged into a state of utter paralysis, causing her to sing her song with an unblinking, frozen gaze. The audience, however, was not deterred by her initial awkwardness, and instead, they were swept away by her unique, mesmerizing performance. Despite the initial setback, Virginia soon discovered that she had unwittingly become a sensation, and her career was forever changed.
Virginia's professional journey commenced in 1940 when she signed with MGM, marking the beginning of an illustrious career that would soon find her becoming an integral part of the studio's most iconic musical productions.
She went on to make memorable appearances in a multitude of films, including the notable titles "Thousands Cheer", "The Harvey Girls", "Till the Clouds Roll By", "Ziegfeld Follies", "Panama Hattie", "Ship Ahoy", "Meet the People", and "Du Barry Was a Lady".
Virginia's impressive repertoire featured inimitable renditions of timeless classics, such as "The Wild Wild West", "A Fine Romance", "It's a Great Big World", "Poor You", and "Say We're Sweethearts Again", showcasing her remarkable vocal talents and further solidifying her status as a beloved performer.
As her fame continued to soar, Virginia's contributions to the world of entertainment left an indelible mark, cementing her place as a true Hollywood legend.
Virginia's remarkable talent and charisma shone through even in her smaller roles and featured songs, captivating audiences with her refined vocals, quick wit, and infectious personality. One of her most notable performances showcasing her comedic prowess was in the MGM film "Merton of the Movies", where she shared the screen with the renowned Red Skelton, delivering a series of clever and humorous lines that left a lasting impression on viewers.
Virginia's cinematic career experienced a significant downturn following her departure from MGM's roster in 1948, with only two further film appearances to her credit, namely "Francis in the Navy" in 1955 and "Gus" in 1976.
Virginia's most notable and significant stage appearance was made in the year 1984, where she took on the role of Parthy Ann in a production of the iconic musical "Showboat" presented by the Long Beach Civic Light Opera, sharing the stage with the renowned actor Alan Young.
Following this appearance, Virginia devoted most of her later years to a life of semi-retirement, residing in a spacious and luxurious home nestled in the picturesque town of Wrightwood, California.
Sadly, Virginia's life came to an untimely end on January 16, 2001, when she passed away at the Motion Picture Country Hospital in Woodland Hills, California, due to complications arising from a heart attack.
