Brown, Jessie (1892–1985)

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Brown, Jessie (1892–1985)

American theatrical ballet dancer and actress. Name variations: Jessica Brown; Jessie Brown Kalmar. Born Jessica Brown, Aug 24, 1892; died Jan 1985 in Sherman Oaks, California; m. Bert Kalmar (composer-songwriter, 1884–1947); children: Bert Kalmar Jr.

Debuted as a specialty dancer in the Hanlon Brothers' show Superba (c. 1907), then performed as a toe dancer for many years; toured with Carter de Haven, dancing to pizzicato polkas and popular songs; alongside husband Bert Kalmar, danced ballet numbers on a popular Sunday concert to "I'd Rather Two-Step than Waltz"; toured with Kalmar in Nurseryland (1916) and in an act which included a ragtime toe dance set to "Moving Man Don't Take My Baby Grand"; retired (late 1910s); portrayed by Vera-Ellen in the film, Three Little Words.

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