Cora Sue Collins, a child actress who appeared in the 1930s and ’40s alongside famous Hollywood figures such as Greta Garbo, Claudette Colbert, and Bette Davis, has died at the age of 98. Collins passed away on Sunday, April 27, at her home in Beverly Hills, California, due to complications from a stroke, her daughter Susie Krieser confirmed in a statement.
Collins was known for her ability to portray younger versions of many leading actresses of her time. She once commented in a 2019 interview that she must have had one of the most ordinary faces in the world, as she was frequently cast to resemble either the top actresses of the 1930s or their children.
Her filmography is notable, including roles as the younger versions of Claudette Colbert in “Torch Singer” (1933), Frances Dee in “The Strange Case of Clara Deane” (1932), Loretta Young in “Caravan” (1934), Merle Oberon in “The Dark Angel” (1935), and Lynn Bari in “Blood and Sand” (1941). Collins also acted as the daughter of William Powell and Myrna Loy in “Evelyn Prentice” (1934) and played Amy Lawrence in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” (1938).
Born on April 19, 1927, in Beckley, West Virginia, Collins relocated to Los Angeles, California, with her mother and older sister shortly before turning four. Her Hollywood career began unexpectedly when, while accompanying her mother on a school visit for her sister, a woman approached them about putting Collins in films. This led to a visit to Universal Studios, where she was cast in “The Unexpected Father” (1932).
Collins demonstrated early talent, as noted by a reviewer who wrote, “Wait till you see Cora Sue. Just four, she walks away with everything.” Her professionalism was also apparent during the filming of “The Strange Case of Clara Deane,” when she was able to cry on cue, stating that she only needed to be asked and given time to think of something sad.
In 1933, Greta Garbo chose Collins to portray her younger self in “Queen Christina.” They later appeared together in “Anna Karenina” (1935) and maintained a friendship until Garbo’s death in 1990. Garbo, known for her privacy, would invite Collins for tea at her MGM lot suite, although Collins preferred milk.
Collins signed with MGM in 1934 for $250 a week, equivalent to approximately $5,900 today. That year, she appeared in ten films, including “Black Moon” with Fay Wray and “The Scarlet Letter” with Colleen Moore. Her importance to the studio was highlighted by her role in “The Spectacle Maker” (1934), directed by John Farrow, which was the first Technicolor short produced in the United States.
Collins had connections throughout Hollywood, referring to Pat O’Brien as “Uncle Pat,” roller skating with Cesar Romero, and being babysat by Lana Turner. In 1935, MGM chief Louis B. Mayer hosted a birthday party for both Collins and actress May Robson, attended by stars such as Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow, Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney, and Freddie Bartholomew.
Originally cast as Becky Thatcher in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” Collins was reassigned to play Amy Lawrence after a growth spurt made her taller than Tommy Kelly, who played Tom.
By 1942, Collins transitioned to teenage roles, appearing in “Get Hep to Love” with Donald O’Connor and Gloria Jean, and on Broadway in “Junior Miss.” Her last film roles included “Youth on Trial” (1945) and “Week-End at the Waldorf” (1945) before retiring from acting at 18.
Collins later stated that she left Hollywood to experience a normal life, as being a child star brought too many responsibilities. She expressed satisfaction with her life as what she described as an “anonymous housewife.”
Her personal life included four marriages. Her first was to Ivan Stauffer, operator of the Clover Club in Hollywood, from 1943 until their divorce in 1947. She then married James McKay, owner of the Cal-Neva Lodge in Lake Tahoe, with whom she had three children before his death in 1962. Her third marriage to James Morgan Cox ended in divorce, while her fourth marriage to Phoenix movie theater owner Harry Nace lasted over 33 years until his death in 2002.
Collins is survived by her daughter Susie Krieser, son Trey, stepdaughter Theresa, grandchildren James, Kevin, Keith, and Michael, and great-grandchildren Jarett, Nate, Lilly, Mimi, and Jack. Her children, Jamie and Melinda McKay Nace, predeceased her.
In her later years, Collins occasionally participated in classic film festivals and screenings, maintaining a connection to Hollywood’s Golden Age. She maintained that leaving the industry was among the best decisions she ever made.
