Anita Ellis

In the glittering world of mid-20th century entertainment, Anita Ellis emerged as a remarkable yet largely unseen talent who shaped the musical landscape of Hollywood's golden era. A singer, actress, and most famously a voice dubbing artist, Ellis possessed a voice so captivating that it could transform the on-screen performances of some of Hollywood's most iconic actresses.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Anita Kert on April 12, 1920, in Montreal, Quebec, Ellis was the eldest of four children in a family destined for artistic pursuits. When she was nine years old, her family relocated to Hollywood, setting the stage for her future career. After graduating from high school in 1938, Ellis attended the College of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she began to develop her remarkable vocal talents. Her early professional journey began in radio, where she was initially billed as Anita Kurt. In 1941, she joined a radio station in Cincinnati and became a regular performer on shows like Open House and The Ona Munson Show. Her versatility quickly became apparent as she became a regular on multiple radio programs, including Red Skelton's show and The Jack Carson Show.

The Voice Behind the Stars

Ellis's most significant contribution to entertainment was her extraordinary work as a voice dubbing artist. She famously dubbed singing voices for several Hollywood actresses, most notably Rita Hayworth. In the classic film Gilda (1946), Ellis's voice was so mesmerizing that many viewers believed it was Hayworth herself singing. The studio went to extraordinary lengths to maintain the illusion, even crediting Hayworth for the soundtrack instead of Ellis. Entertainment writer Rex Reed later reminisced about Ellis's voice, describing it as "the sexiest voice in 1946" that continued to captivate audiences for years. Interestingly, Hayworth herself was reportedly resentful of not being allowed to sing her own parts.

Personal Challenges and Artistic Journey

Despite her remarkable talent, Ellis faced significant personal and professional challenges. In the 1950s, she temporarily stepped away from performing to undergo psychoanalysis, which she credited for transforming her musical style. A particularly profound struggle was her long-standing stage fright, which she described as "crippling" and which ultimately led her to end her professional career in 1987.

Later Life and Legacy

Ellis's life was as adventurous as her career was unique. She held a pilot's license and flew her own plane, traveled extensively through Africa and the Himalayas, and even taught nature studies at the American Museum of Natural History. She was married twice, first to U.S. Army Lt. Frank Ellis and later to neurologist Dr. Mortimer Fromberg Shapiro. In her later years, Ellis battled Alzheimer's disease, and when she passed away on October 28, 2015, at the age of 95, she left behind a legacy of extraordinary musical contributions. Her estate even made a significant $1 million gift to Mt. Sinai Hospital's neurology department.

Works and Appearances

Radio

• Open House (1941-1945)
• Red Skelton Show
• The Jack Carson Show

Film Appearances

• Melody Lane (1939)
• Hullabaloo (1940)
• Gilda (1946, voice dubbing)
• Two Girls and a Sailor (1947)
• Nancy Goes to Rio (1950)

Discography

• I Wonder What Became Of Me (1956)
• Hims (1957)
• The World In My Arms (1960)
• A Legend Sings (1979)
• Echoes (1979)

Anita Ellis represents a fascinating chapter in entertainment history - a talented artist whose voice was heard everywhere, yet whose face remained largely unknown. Her story is a testament to the complex and often invisible work that brings Hollywood magic to life.