Leila Hyams (May 1, 1905 – December 4, 1977) was an American actress who came from a show business family. Her relatively short film career began in 1924 during the era of silent films and ended in 1936 (excepting a 1946 film short appearance). The blonde blue-eyed ingenue and leading lady appeared in more than 50 film roles and remained a press favourite, with numerous magazine covers.
Early life
She was born in New York City to vaudeville comedy performers John Hyams and Leila McIntyre, who performed as the duo "Hyams and McIntyre"[1] Her mother was a noted Broadway performer, and both her parents appeared in films. They can be seen together in several Hollywood films, primarily in minor supporting roles or uncredited appearances, including The Housekeeper's Daughter (1939).
Hyams appeared on stage with her parents while still a child, working in their vaudeville act for five years, but unable to establish a successful theatre career, she turned to modelling, modelling clothing, cosmetics and dental care.[2]
Leila Hyams as Venus with Wallace Ford as Phroso the Clown in Freaks (1932)Wallace Ford, Johnny Eck and Hyams in Freaks (1932)Hyams in 1932Hyams in 1932Hyams with co-star Richard Dix in Yellow Dust (1936)
Hyams married her Hollywood talent agent, Phil Berg, in 1927.[2] In 1936, after a 12-year acting career and performing in 50 films, she retired from the motion-picture industry; nevertheless, she remained active in the Hollywood community for the rest of her life. In 1977, after a brief illness, Hyams died at age 72 at her home in Bel-Air in Los Angeles. She was survived by her husband, Phil.[2]
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