Biography

Ardelle Unger

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Ardelle Evelyn Unger, a professional dancer, was born on February 7, 1914 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Her father was Edward Philip Unger (1885-1973), a balloonist for the motion picture industry working for Crawford Sanders and an aviator for the government. Ardelle's mother was Vera McCune. Her parents were divorced shortly after her sister, Mildred, was born in 1915. Ardelle appeared as a dancer in Arizona to Broadway and Dancing Lady in 1933, and King of Burlesque two years after her marriage to Jerry Lester in 1934. The 1960 California Death Index records Ardelle's death as occurring in Los Angeles, California, USA, on October 10, 1960.
- IMDb mini biography by: SAGE STEPS

Don Short's Show Gossip column in March 1934 reported that Ardelle Unger was one of twenty-five girls and ten boys given a three month contract by Fox Films. It was an attempt by Fox to build up a juvenile contract list from which prospective stars and featured talent can be selected. The thirty-five with contracts were each paid a nominal salary which could lead to a comparatively higher pay if they showed promise.
Five girls from the Fanchon and Marco revue, including Ardelle Unger, were shown in a photograph moving equipment from the Fox-5th Avenue Theater to the Seattle-Paramount. Fox had just taken over the Seattle Paramount. Nine months later the Milwaukee Jewish Chronicle reported that Jerry Lester was performing in the Fanchon and Marco revue at the Wisconsin Theater.
Jay Lester, son of Ardelle and Jerry Lester, when five years old was being raised in a household where his parents often spelled out so they could communicate with each other on private matters. Once, when Jay came home bruised, he told his mother, "I had a fall.". His mother asked, "A what dear?". The child answered: "A fall, 'L-R-F-M,' fall.".
Three children were born to Ardelle and Jerry Lester: Judy T. Lester Stein - January 17,1938, Joan Lester Busler - September 13, 1939, and Jay D. Lester - December 31, 1941.
Ardelle's sister, Mildred, was also a professional dancer and had a minor acting role in Bottoms Up (1934), a film in which Lucille Ball was one of twenty-five girls in a chorus line.

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