Marilyn Nash (October 26, 1926 – October 6, 2011) was an American actress and casting director. She was best known for starring in the 1947 Charlie Chaplin film, Monsieur Verdoux.[1]
Nash was born in Flint, Michigan, and attended the University of Arizona with the intention of pursuing medicine as her chosen career.[1] However, her professional career path changed when she traveled to Los Angeles with her mother while attending Arizona.[1] By chance, Nash met actor and director Charlie Chaplin while playing tennis at the Beverly Hills Hotel.[1] Chaplin quickly signed Nash as an actress in his Charlie Chaplin Studios.[1] He then cast her in his black comedy, Monsieur Verdoux, which was released in 1947.[1]
Nash appeared in just one other film during her career, the 1951 science fiction adventure picture, Unknown World.[1] She portrayed a doctor in the film. She then switched to television and stage roles during the 1950s. Her television credits including Hopalong Cassidy in 1952 and Medic in 1955.[1]
She moved to Oroville, located in northern California, with her second husband, Dr. Donald P. Franks. There Nash worked as a casting director, specializing specifically in films shot in the region surrounding Oroville.[1] Her casting credits included The Great Smokey Roadblock, The Klansman and The Outlaw Josey Wales.[1]
Nash was married three times. Her first husband was screenwriter, Philip Yordan, who introduced her to Hollywood's highest echelons.[1] Nash's marriage to Yordan ended in divorce in the early 1950s.[1] Her second marriage was to Dr. Donald P. Franks, with whom she moved to Oroville. Nash's third husband, Mack Hill, ended with Hill's death.[1]
Nash was interviewed in the 2007 documentary, Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story, directed by Jeffrey Schwarz, which focused on the life of her longtime friend, William Castle.[1] Her first husband, Philip Yordan, had introduced Nash to Castle during the 1950s.[1]
Marilyn Nash died on October 6, 2011, at the age of 84.[1] She was survived by four sons and six grandchildren. Her memorial service was held at the St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church in Chico, California.[1]