Polly Bergen, 84, dies

Beloved actress and singer, Polly Bergen , died Saturday at her home in Connecticut. She was 84 years old. Bergen won an Emmy in 1957 for her portrayal of singer Helen Morgan – an alcoholic. Fifty years later she was nominated again for a role on “Desperate Housewives.”

In 1962, she starred with Gregory Peck and Roberts Mitchum in “Cape Fear.” She was nominated for a Tony Award when she played a former showgirl in Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies.”

Polly Bergen created and sold her own product lines: cosmetics, shoes and jewelry. She advocated for women and their rights, especially reproductive rights.

Polly Bergen lived with determination and the ability to recover from setbacks – like some of the roles she starred in. She was a Hollywood starlet from the classic era,  leaving a lovely legacy.

(S-R archive photo: The Hollywood sign is seen above palm trees on Sunset Boulevard.)