Barbara Weeks (radio actress) should not be confused with Barbara Weeks (film actress).
| Barbara Weeks | |
| Birth Date: | October 27, 1906 |
| Birth Place: | Binghamton, New York, U.S. |
| Death Place: | New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation: | Actress |
| Spouse: | Carl Douglas Frank (1938-1954) |
| Children: | 1 |
| Known For: | Radio and stage actress |
Barbara Weeks (October 27, 1906 - July 4, 1954) was an American actress and voice talent in the Golden Age of Radio. She was best known for her work in soap operas.[1]
Weeks was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Weeks of Binghamton, New York.[2] Her parents were singers before her father started a music store.[3] "One of her ancestors, Mrs. Robert R. Jillson," was also an actress.[4] Weeks attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.[5]
A caption in a 1937 newspaper reported that Weeks' "radio career started in Mickey at the Circus and Roadways to Romance."[6] However, another source reported, "She made her radio debut as a vocalist on a Portland, Maine, station."[7] In June 1938, she had the lead role in an NBC broadcast of Anna Christie.[8]
Her only lead role in a continuing radio program occurred when she played the title character in Her Honor, Nancy James, which began on CBS October 3, 1938,[9] and continued through July 28, 1939.[10]
Weeks' roles as a regular cast member in radio programs included those listed in the table below.
| Program | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| As the Twig Is Bent (We Love and Learn) | Madame Sophie | |
| Her Honor, Nancy James | Nancy James | |
| Howie Wing | Donna Cavendish[11] | |
| Linda's First Love | NA[12] | |
| Meet the Dixons | Joan Dixon | |
| Now and Forever -- A Love Story | Ellen Harris | |
| The Open Door | Liza Arnold | |
| We Love and Learn | Sophie De Bellay[13] | |
| Young Doctor Malone | Ann Malone |
Weeks also appeared in episodes of other programs, including Alias Jimmy Valentine,[5] Philip Morris Playhouse,[15] Mr. District Attorney, Theatre Guild of the Air, Mr. and Mrs. North,[3] The Good Will Hour,[16] Aunt Jenny's Real Life Stories,[17] and Colgate Theatre of Romance.[18]
Before venturing into radio, Weeks "was winning praise with stock companies."[6] After attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she "put in several years of stage trouping."[5] She appeared in at least five Broadway productions between 1927 and 1936, including a revival of Lombardi Limited.[7]
Weeks was often confused for fellow actress Barbara Weeks, who mainly worked in film. At one time, both lived in New York, which meant that "Barbara-in-radio frequently gets mail and telephone calls intended for Barbara-in-the-movies."[19] The confusion even extended to some of the movie actress's relatives attending a performance of a touring stock company in which the radio actress appeared, expecting to see their cousin perform.[19]
On November 26, 1938, Weeks married actor Carl Frank,[20] who played her husband in Young Doctor Malone.[21] They also played husband and wife roles in Now and Forever -- A Love Story.[22] They had a daughter, Roberta, born September 24, 1940.[23]