Veronica Lake

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake, born Constance Frances Marie Ockelman and known for her signature hairstyle (blonde flowing locks draped seductively over her right eye), was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 14, 1922.

Her breakout role was in 1941's "I Wanted Wings." Though "only" the second female lead, she stole scene after scene.

She became known as one of the most reliable box office draws in Hollywood, and was frequently paired with Alan Ladd on screen.

My favorite Veronica Lake film is Preston Sturges' masterpiece "Sullivan's Travels." Known only as The Girl, Lake goes from tough to vulnerable to ebullient through the movie. She's wonderful. And, when disguised as a hobo, she's absolutely adorable.

It seems the studio didn't know how to promote Lake or the film. One tagline was "Veronica Lake is on the Take." Catchy, but completely unrelated to the movie.

If you don't know "Sullivan's Travels," go watch it now. And get to know Veronic Lake. She was absolutely wonderful, and her life and body of work deserve to be celebrated.

Gina Wilhelm Actress