Ann Sothern (born Harriette Arlene Lake; January 22, 1909 – March 15, 2001) was an American actress who worked on stage, radio, film, and television, in a career that spanned nearly six decades. Sothern began her career in the late 1920s in bit parts in films. In 1930, she made her Broadway stage debut and soon worked her way up to starring roles. In 1939, MGM cast her as
Maisie Ravier, a brash yet lovable Brooklyn showgirl. The character proved to be popular and spawned a successful film series (Congo
Maisie,
Gold Rush Maisie,
Up Goes Maisie, etc.) and a network radio series (The Adventures of
Maisie). In 1953, Sothern moved into television as the star of her own sitcom,
Private Secreta..."> ()