Acting

Lois January

Lois January was a notable American actress recognized for her performances in numerous B-movies throughout the 1930s. She made her film debut in 1933 with a credited role in UM-PA. One of her most memorable appearances came in the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz, where she portrayed an unnamed manicurist in Emerald City, famously singing, “we can make a dimpled smile out of a frown.” Fans have speculated that her character might be inspired by Jellia Jamb from the original novel.

January's career was marked by her frequent roles in westerns, where she often played the lead opposite popular stars like Johnny Mack Brown, Bob Steele, and Tim McCoy. Some of her notable films from this genre include Arizona Badman (1935) and Rogue of the Range (1936). While under contract with Universal Pictures, she continued to shine in these roles, culminating in her appearance in Courage of the West (1937). The re-release of The Pace That Kills (renamed Cocaine Fiends) further expanded her visibility in the film industry.

In addition to her film work, January had a presence on Broadway, with performances in High Kickers (1941) and Yokel Boy (1939). Although her leading roles diminished by the mid-1940s, she remained active in the industry, appearing in small television parts, including My Three Sons and Marcus Welby, M.D. Her final performance was in the 1987 television movie Double Agent. Throughout the 1980s, she also participated in various western film festivals, celebrating her legacy in the genre.

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