Claire Niesen


Claire Niesen was an actress in the era of old-time radio.

Early years

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, she wanted to be an actress from age 4.
She was valedictorian of her class at a high school in New York City and attended the Feagin School of Dramatic Art. She had experience in vaudeville before she began working in radio.

Radio

Niesen debuted on radio on a small station when she was 15 years old, having roles in works by Ibsen and Shakespeare. She starred on network soap operas for two decades. She first acted on network radio in Joyce Jordan, M.D.. Her roles on radio programs included those shown in the table below.
ProgramRole
Backstage WifeMary Noble
Her Honor, Nancy JamesLaura
The O'NeillsPeggy
The Second Mrs. BurtonTerry Burton
We Who DreamDream Girl

Source: Radio Stars: An Illustrated Biographical Dictionary of 953 Performers, 1920 through 1960, except as noted.
In his book, Historical Dictionary of American Radio Soap Operas, Jim Cox wrote: "Mary Noble's alter ego, Niesen, consistently projected the appealing inflections required by the role: invariably soft-spoken, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Her empathetic expressions contributed to winning the part and helping her keep it for the final 14 years the serial was on the air."
Other programs in which Niesen was heard included Life Can Be Beautiful, The Right to Happiness, Light of the World, Meet Miss Julia, Into the Light, The Man I Married, We, the People, March of Time and Manhattan at Midnight.

Stage

Niesen's Broadway credits include The Talley Method and Cue for Passion.

Recognition

In 1943, Niesen won the Philco Hall of Fame Award.

Personal life

Niesen married actor Melville Ruick March 11, 1949, in New York City.

Death

Niesen died of cancer in Encino, California, October 4, 1963. She was survived by her husband, a daughter and a sister.