Carole Mathews (born Jean Deifel,[1] also credited as Jeanne Francis; September 13, 1920 – November 6, 2014) was an American film and television actress.
Early years
Born in Montgomery, Illinois,[2] near Chicago, Mathews lived with her grandmother after her parents divorced.[3] She attended elementary schools in Aurora, Illinois, and obtained her secondary education at Calumet High School in Chicago.[1] After graduation from high school, she entered a nunnery in Milwaukee. Her grandmother made her leave it, however, telling her to wait until she was 21.[3]
In 1938, Mathews was named "Miss Chicago"[4] and in doing so, qualified for a trip to California and a screen test. While in California, she auditioned for the Earl Carroll Follies and won a role in the show for 1939.[3]
Mathews attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music and Drama, where she studied ballet, voice, and drama.[1] She also hosted a WGNradio program, Breakfast Time with Carole Mathews. Soon she was engaged in modeling.[5]
Film
In 1939, Mathews had some bit parts in films, using the name Jeanne Francis.[3]
Stage
Mathews appeared on Broadway as Karen Jackson in With a Silk Thread (1950).[6][4]