Before her death on April 7, 1992, Alix Talton had an eventful and accomplished career life. From being a beauty queen, singer, model, and actress, there is no doubt that she was multi-talented. Initially, the gorgeous entertainer trained to be a dancer and singer, but it didn’t stop her from seeing and seizing opportunities from other disciplines when they came.
Alix Talton made her way into Hollywood in 1941 and went on to become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, appearing in several memorable TV shows, including My Favorite Husband. Despite her successful career, her first marriage ended in just five years. However, Talton’s second marriage lasted for about four decades, a testament to her improved knowledge and experience. The late actress left behind two children, and a lasting legacy in the world of show business.
Alix Talton’s Early Life
Named Alice Talton from birth, Alix Talton was born on June 7, 1920, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Sanford Claude and Mary Elizabeth Brown Talton. She was one of three children. Alix was partly of Cherokee Indian descent. As a child, she wanted to become a musical comedy actress and would go on to study dancing and singing while growing up. The late Alix inherited her father’s height making her to be taller than most of her peers. This affected her self-esteem. She had to slouch her back to appear shorter than she was when around her classmates. Her father helped her to overcome the problem by telling her how much he admired tall women. He was able to convince her that being tall was an asset.
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Her Career Spanned 37 Years
Alix Talton’s remarkable career took off when she boldly competed in the Miss Georgia beauty pageant in 1938, defying her father’s objections. Her unwavering determination paid off as she emerged victorious and went on to represent Georgia in the Miss America beauty contest held in Atlantic City, New Jersey that same year. Seeking greater opportunities, Talton moved to New York and became a successful model.
She also joined the American Jubilee, a singing group, where her exceptional talent caught the attention of a Warner Bros scout. Recognizing her potential, she was quickly added to the Hollywood giant’s contract list.
Talton made her acting debut in the 1941 war film drama Dive Bomber, portraying the character of Girl at Newsstand. According to IMDb, the late actress appeared in 45 movies and TV series, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Below are some of her works:
- Dive Bomber (1941)
- International Squadron (1941)
- You’re in the Army Now (1941)
- Ranger of Cherokee Strip (1949)
- Your Witness (1949)
- The Great Jewel Robber (1950)
- Front Page Detective (1951)
- My Favorite Husband (1953-1955)
- The Deadly Mantis (1957)
- Hazel (1962-1965)
- The Devil’s Brigade (1968)
- Police Woman (1975)
Alix Talton Died of Lung Cancer in 1992
Almost a year after losing her husband, George Cahan, 72-year-old Alix Talton died of lung cancer at St. Joseph Pavilion in 1992. According to available data by the World Health Organization, 85 percent of lung cancer cases is caused by smoking. It is most likely that the star actress indulged in the unhealthy habit at some point in her life.
Actors have been known to pick up smoking to calm their nerves and to cope with the pressures of being an entertainer. According to online sources, Alix’s body was cremated and her ashes were handed to her family members.
Alix Talton’s Husband and Children
Alix Talton married Lou Kerner in Beverly Hill, California on April 8, 1944, after dating for a year. She was 24 years old when she tied the knot with the former Hollywood agent and Airforce sergeant. The marriage didn’t stand the test of time and was dissolved in 1949. They had a son named Bruce M. Kerner who was born on January 1, 1945, which means he is presently 79 years old. Alix Talton’s son is famed for being the executive producer of The Terminator (1984) which featured Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Alix, being a beautiful woman, always had many suitors vying for her hand in marriage. Eventually, she found love again and married George Cahan on March 18, 1950. Their union lasted until June 12, 1991, when George passed away from a heart attack. He was an American producer and director, known for his works such as Willy, The Silent Service, and Boots and Saddles. Before meeting Alix, George was married to Helen Marie Murphy. Talton and Cahan had a daughter together named Claudia Cahan.
