Lita Chevret


Lita Chevret was an American actress who began her career at the genesis of sound films. She appeared in over 60 films between 1929 and 1940, although in most of those she had small or non-billed parts.

Life

Chevret was born on May 27, 1908 in Oakland, California, to show-business parents, who ensured that she received training in both singing and dance.

Career

Chevret began acting with a stock theater company when she was 16 years old. She also appeared in Berkeley productions of Irving Pichel and in Fanchon and Marco revues.
Based on her dancing ability, Chevret broke into the film business in 1929's Fox Movietone Follies of 1929, with an uncredited role. The following year she appeared in Words and Music in a small unbilled role, in John Wayne's first film where he had a significant role. That same year, she appeared in RKO Radio Pictures' Rio Rita, their most successful picture of the year.
In 1930, RKO would offer Chevret a 3-year contract, which would be renewed for an additional 3 years. However, she was relegated to mostly small and bit roles while under contract with RKO. When her contract expired in 1936, she made the decision not to renew, and to attempt to become a freelance actress.
She continued acting for another five years, still in small and often unbilled roles, until her retirement in 1941. Her final role was a small part in The Philadelphia Story.

After film

Disappointed with her continuing to be cast in smaller roles, Chevret retired in 1941. Although she had left the film industry, she remained in show business during World War II, touring with the USO, finally retiring for good by the end of the war.
She lived in Palm Springs, California until her death in 2001 four days before her 93rd birthday.

Personal life

Chevret was married to Alfred Hickman and Carlton Williams.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1929Fox Movietone Follies of 1929Chorine
1929'Girl on rumboat
1929Words and MusicShowgirl
1929Tanned LegsBeach Girl
1929Rio RitaShowgirl
1930'Margy
1930'Slot Machine Señorita
1931'Lady-in-waiting
1931Laugh and Get RichParty Guest
1931Everything's RosieMadeline Van Dorn
1931Kept HusbandsGwen
1931Three Who LovedParty Girl
1932Symphony of Six MillionBirdie Klauber
1932Ladies of the JuryCynthia Tate
1932What Price Hollywood?Actress
1932Girl CrazyMary
1932One Hour With YouParty Guest
1932Call Her SavageParty Guest
1932RockabyeParty Guest
1932After TomorrowOffice Worker
1932Westward PassageWoman at Party
1932Merry-Go-RoundMary
1932'Nadine
1933'Miss Rainey
1933Daring DaughtersGwen Moore
1933Goldie Gets AlongMarie Gardner
1933Only YesterdayUncredited
1934Charlie Chan's CourageChorus Girl
1934GlamourGrassie
1934Romance in the RainJennie
1934Transatlantic Merry-Go-RoundCountess de Marino
1934'Miss Ulricks
1935Dante's InfernoMrs. Martin
1935Ship CafeDancing teacher
1935Go into Your DanceAngry Showgirl #1
1935EscapadeGuest
1935Under the Pampas MoonBeautiful Girl
1935'Clara
1936Champagne CharlieRoulette player
1936Follow the FleetWoman in casino
1937Criminal LawyerNora James
1937SandflowRose PorterStarring role
1937EspionageFrench secretary
1937CamilleWoman in theater box
1938Rebellious DaughtersRita
1938The Road to RenoGladys
1939'Woman under sunlamp
1940'Tanya Sarova
1940Midnight LimitedMae Krantz
1940Manicurist