Stars & Players · Biography

Audrey Totter

1917–2013 · Actor

Biography

Audrey Mary Totter (December 20, 1917 – December 12, 2013), was a captivating American actress celebrated for her compelling performances in film noir during the 1940s and 1950s. A former MGM contract star of Austrian-Slovene and Swedish descent, her distinct husky voice and magnetic presence made her a standout femme fatale in classics like "Lady in the Lake" and "The Postman Always Rings Twice." Totter's versatility extended beyond noir, showcasing her talent in various genres, including dramas and thrillers. Her ability to portray complex, strong-willed characters left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Totter's legacy endures through her impactful contributions to the silver screen, forever remembered as an iconic figure in the golden era of cinema. Most references cite December 20, 1918, as her date of birth, although Intelius indicates the year was 1917.

Notable Noir Roles

Lady in the Lake

1946Dir. Robert Montgomery · Adrienne Fromsett

Private eye Phillip Marlowe wants to get out of the detective racket and into crime writing. But when he's called to the office of editor Adrienne Fromsett, it's not to talk about his story ideas — sh…

The Postman Always Rings Twice

1946Dir. Tay Garnett · Madge Gorland

A married woman and a drifter fall in love, then plot to murder her husband.

High Wall

1947Dir. Curtis Bernhardt · Dr. Ann Lorrison

Steven Kenet, suffering from a recurring brain injury, appears to have strangled his wife. Having confessed, he's committed to an understaffed county asylum full of pathetic inmates. There, Dr. Ann Lo…

Tension

1949Dir. John Berry · Claire Quimby

Warren Quimby manages a drugstore while trying to keep his volatile wife, Claire, happy. However, when Claire leaves him for a liquor store salesman, Warren can no longer bear it. He decides to assume…

Full Noir Filmography

6 films · 1946–1955