Child actress Cora Sue Collins, known for her roles in the 1930s and ’40s alongside Hollywood stars such as Greta Garbo, Claudette Colbert, and Bette Davis, has died at the age of 98. Collins passed away on Sunday, April 27, at her home in Beverly Hills, California, due to complications from a stroke, as reported by her daughter, Susie Krieser.
Collins was recognized for her ability to portray younger versions of many leading actresses of her time. In a 2019 interview, she commented that she may have had one of the most ordinary faces, which allowed her to be made up to resemble various famous actresses or their children from the 1930s.
Among her film credits, Collins played younger versions of Claudette Colbert in “Torch Singer” (1933), Frances Dee in “The Strange Case of Clara Deane” (1932), Loretta Young in “Caravan” (1934), Merle Oberon in “The Dark Angel” (1935), and Lynn Bari in “Blood and Sand” (1941). She also appeared as the daughter of William Powell and Myrna Loy in “Evelyn Prentice” (1934) and took on the role of Amy Lawrence in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” (1938).
Born in Beckley, West Virginia, on April 19, 1927, Collins moved to Los Angeles, California, with her mother and sister before turning four. Her entry into Hollywood was through a chance meeting when a woman approached them about pursuing acting. This led to her casting at Universal Studios in “The Unexpected Father” (1932).
Collins’ talent was evident early on, with a reviewer stating after her debut performance, “Wait till you see Cora Sue. Just four, she walks away with everything.” She demonstrated professionalism beyond her years; during filming “The Strange Case of Clara Deane,” when her emotional response was sought, she requested time to think of something sad rather than being forced to cry.
In 1933, Greta Garbo chose Collins to portray her younger self in “Queen Christina.” They also appeared together in “Anna Karenina” (1935) and maintained a friendship until Garbo died in 1990. Garbo, known for her privacy preference, often invited Collins to her MGM suite for tea, a privilege not commonly extended.
Signing a contract with MGM in 1934 for $250 a week (equivalent to roughly $5,900 today), Collins appeared in ten films that year, including “Black Moon” with Fay Wray and “The Scarlet Letter” with Colleen Moore. She was also cast in “The Spectacle Maker” (1934), directed by John Farrow, which became the first Technicolor short made in the United States.
Collins had connections within Hollywood beyond her films. She referred to Pat O’Brien as “Uncle Pat,” went roller skating with Cesar Romero, and was sometimes looked after by Lana Turner. In 1935, MGM head Louis B. Mayer hosted a joint birthday party for Collins and May Robson, attended by numerous stars, including Joan Crawford and Mickey Rooney.
Initially cast as Becky Thatcher in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” Collins experienced a growth spurt during casting, leading to her role as Amy Lawrence when she became taller than Tommy Kelly, who played Tom.
By 1942, Collins transitioned to teenage roles, appearing in “Get Hep to Love” with Donald O’Connor and Gloria Jean and in Broadway’s “Junior Miss.” Her final film appearances were in “Youth on Trial” (1945) and “Week-End at the Waldorf” (1945), after which she retired from acting at 18.
Collins explained that she left Hollywood to experience everyday life, finding the responsibilities of being a child star overwhelming. She later expressed contentment with her life as an “anonymous housewife.”
Her personal life included four marriages. She was first married to Ivan Stauffer, operator of the Clover Club in Hollywood, from 1943 until their divorce in 1947. She had three children with James McKay, owner of the Cal-Neva Lodge in Lake Tahoe, before he died in 1962. Her third marriage to James Morgan Cox ended in divorce. Her fourth marriage, to Harry Nace, lasted over 33 years until he died in 2002.
Collins is survived by her daughter Susie Krieser, son Trey, stepdaughter Theresa, grandchildren James, Kevin, Keith, and Michael, and great-grandchildren Jarett, Nate, Lilly, Mimi, and Jack. Her children, Jamie and Melinda McKay Nace, predeceased her.
In her later years, Collins occasionally attended classic film festivals and screenings, serving as a living link to Hollywood’s Golden Age. Despite her successful career as a child actress, she maintained that her decision to leave the industry was the right one.
