Ruta Lee

Ruta Lee—born Ruta Mary Kilmonis in Montreal to Lithuanian immigrant parents—rose from Hollywood High School stages to become one of the most recognizable actresses and dancers of her era. After moving to Los Angeles in 1948, she studied acting at both Los Angeles City College and UCLA, all while working at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre as a cashier, usherette, and candy girl—until a missing $40 in her register abruptly ended that job. But Hollywood had bigger plans: she soon landed a spot on "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show," followed by appearances on "The Roy Rogers Show" and "The Adventures of Superman."

Her big break came in 1953 while performing in a small theater production of "On the Town," which led to her casting as one of the brides in the beloved MGM musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." From there, Ruta quickly built an impressive film résumé, appearing in "Anything Goes," "Funny Face," "Witness for the Prosecution," "Marjorie Morningstar," and later "Sergeants 3" alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Peter Lawford. She also made her mark on television with standout roles in "Richard Diamond, Private Detective," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Gunsmoke," "77 Sunset Strip," "Wagon Train," "The Wild Wild West," and "The Andy Griffith Show," where she appeared twice.

She continued to shine through the 1960s and beyond, including her memorable "Twilight Zone" appearance in “A Short Drink from a Certain Fountain,” and her semi-regular guest spots on popular game shows such as "Hollywood Squares," "What’s My Line?," and "High Rollers," where she co-hosted with Alex Trebek. The 1980s and ’90s saw Ruta’s talent spanning genres—from lending her voice to "The Flintstone Comedy Show" and "The Smurfs," to guest roles on "Fantasy Island," "The Love Boat," "CHiPs," and "Roseanne," where she portrayed the girlfriend of Estelle Parsons’ character. She also starred opposite Elizabeth Taylor in "Sweet Bird of Youth" and appeared in the British comedy-drama "Funny Bones" as Jerry Lewis’s on-screen wife.

Throughout her career, Ruta earned admiration not only for her versatility but for her enduring presence in Hollywood. In recognition of her contributions, she received a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in 1995, a Golden Boot Award in 2002, and in 2006, her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—an unforgettable full-circle moment for the former Grauman’s usherette who once dreamed of seeing her name in lights.

Ruta has spent more than 50 years raising millions of dollars for mental health causes through her extraordinary work with The Thalians - whose mission is to raise the funds it will take to educate, and enlighten the world about mental illness thereby eliminating the stigma attached to it. Ruta is currently preparing for this year’s Thalians gala -- at the Bel Air Country Club on Dec 6th -- honoring the legendary Neil Sedaka, with a special performance by the wonderful Ann Jillian — truly an event you won’t want to miss.

For more information visit - http://www.thalians.org