Remembering Cora Sue Collins: A Remarkable Child Star
Cora Sue Collins, a beloved child actress of the early 20th century, passed away on April 27 at the age of 98, in her Beverly Hills home. Her daughter, Susie McKay Krieser, revealed that the cause of her death was complications from a stroke.
A Star is Born
Born on April 19, 1927, in Beckley, West Virginia, Collins began her Hollywood journey at a young age. At just four years old, she made her film debut in the comedy The Unexpected Father (1932), where she showcased her acting talent as a waif. Critics quickly praised her performance, with The Richmond News Leader labeling her a “baby star” with “amazing acting ability.”
Notable Collaborations
Throughout her career, she appeared in approximately 50 films over 13 years, sharing the screen with Hollywood icons such as Greta Garbo and Myrna Loy. In the acclaimed film Queen Christina (1933), Collins portrayed young Garbo, recalling fond memories of their time together. “Garbo was so friendly and liked my new teeth a lot,” she stated in a newspaper interview at the time.
Broad Range of Roles
Collins also took on various significant roles, including the daughter of Claudette Colbert in Torch Song (1933) and Myrna Loy’s and William Powell’s daughter in Evelyn Prentice (1934). She reflected on her versatility, saying, “I must have had a very common face… they could make me up to look like anyone.” This adaptability enabled her to play varying characters across multiple films.
A Friendship with Garbo
Collins enjoyed a lasting friendship with Garbo, which began on the set of Queen Christina and extended into adulthood. She fondly recalled their relationship in later interviews, maintaining the formal address: “Until she passed away, I called her Miss Garbo and she called me Cora Sue.”
Challenges and Turning Points
Despite early success, Collins faced significant challenges in her career. As she transitioned into her teenage years, she experienced inappropriate advances from an MGM screenwriter, which led her to report the behavior to the studio’s chief, Louis B. Mayer. Unfortunately, Mayer dismissed her concerns, stating, “You’ll get used to it, sweetie.” Standing firm on her principles, Collins ultimately chose to leave Hollywood rather than compromise her values.
A Life Beyond Hollywood
After leaving the film industry, Collins married Harry Nace Jr., a movie theater owner in Arizona, and embraced a quieter life as a housewife. She frequently expressed her satisfaction with this new role, stating, “It’s fun to be a housewife in Phoenix.” Following her husband’s passing in 2002, she continued to enjoy family life with her daughter, son, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Final Reflections
Even decades after her last film, Collins reminisced about her time in Hollywood, recalling the discomfort of filming scenes that involved a baby carriage filled with bottles, humorously detailing how she kept silent about the discomfort because she was “a very obedient child.”
Legacy
Cora Sue Collins leaves behind a complex legacy as a child star who navigated the challenges of Hollywood with grace and integrity. Her contributions to early cinema and her resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to many.
