- Born
- Died
- Vilma Ebsen was born on February 1, 1911 in Belleville, Illinois, USA. She was an actress, known for Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935). She was married to Stanley Morris Briggs and Robert Emmett Dolan. She died on March 12, 2007 in Thousand Oaks, California, USA.
- SpousesStanley Morris Briggs(April 24, 1948 - 1952) (divorced, 1 child)Robert Emmett Dolan(June 24, 1933 - April 17, 1946) (divorced, 1 child)
- RelativesBonnie Ebsen(Niece or Nephew)Buddy Ebsen(Sibling)
- She and older brother Buddy Ebsen were a popular vaudeville and supper club dance couple once known as "The Baby Astaires." Some of their top New York shows included "Whoopee!" with Eddie Cantor, "Flying Colors" with Clifton Webb and Patsy Kelly, and the "Ziegfeld Follies of 1934."
- She and Buddy were a sensation performing "Ain't Misbehavin' in Atlantic City when they were reviewed by columnist Walter Winchell, whose rave put them on the map, going on to performing at the legendary Palace Theatre.
- Was the fourth of five children. Her father established the first Ebsen School of Dancing in Orlando, Florida.
- The duo was approached by MGM in 1936 for a screen test and awarded a contract for two years with a two-year option beginning at $1,500 a week each. Vilma's only movie was Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935) in which they danced to "Sing Before Breakfast" and "On a Sunday Afternoon." Due to a contract glitch, she was not kept on after the film's success and she retired from films and married Robert Emmett Dolan.
- Was once the director of the dance department at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, USA.
- Somehow or other Buddy and I got booked throughout Florida. We had an act that he put together where I was the dancing teacher and he came in like a country bumpkin and wanted to learn to dance. Then I taught him, and then we danced. - in a 1988 interview
- When dancing Buddy and I were alter egos, you might say. We danced with that same wonderful relationship we shared as brother and sister I wouldn't say we were such great dancers. The vital thing that we gave out was a relationship. When we danced, we were grateful to the audience and we wanted to do it for them.
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