Merna Kennedy
Toronto Daily Star, September 18 1928
Merna Kennedy (1908-1944) started her performing career at the age of seven when her mother created a vaudeville act that featured her and her brother. While performing, she met Lita Grey, who later became Charlie Chaplin's wife; Grey recommended her for the role of Chaplin's co-star in The Circus (1928).
Ms. Kennedy retired from acting when she married director and choreographer Busby Berkeley in 1934; they were divorced a year or two later. She married Forest Brayton, a master sergeant, in 1944. She passed away of a heart attack four days after her marriage and five days before Christmas.
Created November 10, 2025.