Norma Eberhardt
Encyclopedia
Norma Eberhardt was an American
actress who began her career as a fashion model. Her film credits included Live Fast, Die Young
and The Return of Dracula
, both released in 1958.
. She was discovered by fashion photographer as a teenager while attending an Easter Parade
on the Asbury Park boardwalk
with her mother. Reportedly, the photographer was struck by her two different colored eyes, one brown eye and one blue eye. The photographer, who was based in nearby New York City, assumed that Eberhardt was over the age of 18. However, when she commuted to his office on her seventeenth birthday, the photographer realized that he needed her mother to co-sign her modeling contract. He personally drove her back home to obtain her mother's permission and signature for the contract. Eberhardt soon signed with the John Robert Powers Agency, appearing in advertising campaign
s on billboards.
. (Eberhardt and Murphy would later co-star in the 1958 film, Live Fast, Die Young
). Both actresses dated actor James Dean
. Eberhardt, Murphy and Dean were all cast in small roles in the 1952 comedy, Sailor Beware, starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis
. Sailor Beware marked Eberhardt's film debut, as well as Dean's second film role. Eberhardt also dated Jerry Lewis
during this time.
Her second film role was in 1952's Jumping Jacks
, which also starred Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin
. She next portrayed an agoraphobic character locked up in a reform school for rich-girl delinquents in the 1953 film, Problem Girls, starring Susan Morrow
.
Eberhardt is best known for two starring film roles during 1958. She co-starred with Francis Lederer
in the 1958 horror film, The Return of Dracula
. That same year, she co-starred with her real-life former roommate, Mary Murphy, in the crime drama, Live Fast, Die Young
. Eberhardt and Murphy played two sisters who run away from home to pursue a life of crime as jewelry thieves who become affiliated with the mafia. The film, which was marketed with the tagline, "A sin-steeped story of the rise of the Beat Generation
," struck a chord with its core audience and has become a cult classic
. In an interview, Eberhardt mused on the film's cult popularity by speculating, "The film tapped into what kids were feeling — that society sucked and they were rebelling against it."
In 2007, Eberhardt's image from Live Fast, Die Young appeared on T-shirt
s worn by Slash
, the former guitarist
for Guns N' Roses
and member of the supergroup
, Velvet Revolver
. Eberhardt was described as "highly amused" when she discovered that her likeness appeared on Slash's wardrobe.
Eberhardt switched to television
, including guest roles on Dragnet
in 1959 and the CBS
sitcom, Hogan's Heroes
, in 1969.
, a French
actor and former member of the French Resistance
, in 1955. Dauphin, who began acting in the 1930s, operated an underground radio station in Nazi occupied France during World War II
. The couple divided their married life between residences in Paris
, New York City, Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey
, and Hollywood. Dauphin died in 1978.
She was a founding member and an honorary trustee
of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum in Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.
Norma Eberhardt died of a stroke at Lenox Hill Hospital
in New York City
on September 16, 2011, at the age of 82. She was survived by her 108-year-old father, George Eberhardt, and six brothers and sisters. Her funeral was held at the Church House of the Presbyterian Church in Shrewsbury, New Jersey
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
actress who began her career as a fashion model. Her film credits included Live Fast, Die Young
Live Fast, Die Young (film)
Live Fast, Die Young is a 1958 film directed by Paul Henreid and written by Ib Melchior. The film stars Mary Murphy, Norma Eberhardt, Mike Connors and Sheridan Comerate...
and The Return of Dracula
The Return of Dracula
The Return of Dracula is a 1958 horror film starring Francis Lederer as Dracula. The female lead, Rachel, is played by Norma Eberhardt. It is filmed in black and white and directed by Paul Landres....
, both released in 1958.
Early life and career
Eberhardt was born and raised in Oakhurst, New JerseyOakhurst, New Jersey
Oakhurst is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Ocean Township, in Monmouth County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the CDP population was 3,995.-Geography:Oakhurst is located at ....
. She was discovered by fashion photographer as a teenager while attending an Easter Parade
Easter Parade
Easter Parade is a 1948 American musical film starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, featuring music by Irving Berlin, including some of Astaire and Garland's best-known songs, such as "Steppin' Out With My Baby" and "We're a Couple of Swells."...
on the Asbury Park boardwalk
Boardwalk
A boardwalk, in the conventional sense, is a wooden walkway for pedestrians and sometimes vehicles, often found along beaches, but they are also common as paths through wetlands, coastal dunes, and other sensitive environments....
with her mother. Reportedly, the photographer was struck by her two different colored eyes, one brown eye and one blue eye. The photographer, who was based in nearby New York City, assumed that Eberhardt was over the age of 18. However, when she commuted to his office on her seventeenth birthday, the photographer realized that he needed her mother to co-sign her modeling contract. He personally drove her back home to obtain her mother's permission and signature for the contract. Eberhardt soon signed with the John Robert Powers Agency, appearing in advertising campaign
Advertising campaign
An advertising campaign is a series of advertisement messages that share a single idea and theme which make up an integrated marketing communication...
s on billboards.
Acting
Eberhardt's billboard campaigns soon led to radio, television and film roles. She moved to Los Angeles and was under contract with a studio by 1951. She rented out a room at the The Studio Club For Women in Hollywood, where she became roommates with actress Mary MurphyMary Murphy (actress)
Mary Murphy was an American film actress of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. She was born in Washington, D.C. and spent most of her early childhood in Cleveland, Ohio. Her father, James Victor Murphy, died in 1940. Shortly afterwards, she and her mother moved to Southern California...
. (Eberhardt and Murphy would later co-star in the 1958 film, Live Fast, Die Young
Live Fast, Die Young (film)
Live Fast, Die Young is a 1958 film directed by Paul Henreid and written by Ib Melchior. The film stars Mary Murphy, Norma Eberhardt, Mike Connors and Sheridan Comerate...
). Both actresses dated actor James Dean
James Dean
James Byron Dean was an American film actor. He is a cultural icon, best embodied in the title of his most celebrated film, Rebel Without a Cause , in which he starred as troubled Los Angeles teenager Jim Stark...
. Eberhardt, Murphy and Dean were all cast in small roles in the 1952 comedy, Sailor Beware, starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis
Martin and Lewis
Martin and Lewis were an American comedy team, comprising singer Dean Martin and comedian Jerry Lewis as the comedic "foil". The pair first met in 1945; their debut as a duo occurred at Atlantic City's 500 Club on July 24/25, 1946....
. Sailor Beware marked Eberhardt's film debut, as well as Dean's second film role. Eberhardt also dated Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis is an American comedian, actor, singer, film producer, screenwriter and film director. He is best known for his slapstick humor in film, television, stage and radio. He was originally paired up with Dean Martin in 1946, forming the famed comedy team of Martin and Lewis...
during this time.
Her second film role was in 1952's Jumping Jacks
Jumping Jacks
Jumping Jacks is a 1952 film starring the comedy team of Martin and Lewis. The movie was released by Paramount Pictures.-Plot:Chick Allen is a paratrooper. He invites his former partner, Hap Smith , to help out with a show that he and the other soldiers are preparing...
, which also starred Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin
Dean Martin
Dean Martin was an American singer, film actor, television star and comedian. Martin's hit singles included "Memories Are Made of This", "That's Amore", "Everybody Loves Somebody", "You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You", "Sway", "Volare" and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head?"...
. She next portrayed an agoraphobic character locked up in a reform school for rich-girl delinquents in the 1953 film, Problem Girls, starring Susan Morrow
Susan Morrow
Susan Morrow was an American actress.-Personal life:Born as Jacqueline Ann Teresa Bernadette Immoor, she was the elder sister of Judith Exner and the first wife of comedian Gary Morton. They were married on December 17, 1953; the marriage was annulled on July 11, 1957...
.
Eberhardt is best known for two starring film roles during 1958. She co-starred with Francis Lederer
Francis Lederer
Francis Lederer was a film and stage actor with a successful career, first in Europe, then in the United States.-Europe:...
in the 1958 horror film, The Return of Dracula
The Return of Dracula
The Return of Dracula is a 1958 horror film starring Francis Lederer as Dracula. The female lead, Rachel, is played by Norma Eberhardt. It is filmed in black and white and directed by Paul Landres....
. That same year, she co-starred with her real-life former roommate, Mary Murphy, in the crime drama, Live Fast, Die Young
Live Fast, Die Young (film)
Live Fast, Die Young is a 1958 film directed by Paul Henreid and written by Ib Melchior. The film stars Mary Murphy, Norma Eberhardt, Mike Connors and Sheridan Comerate...
. Eberhardt and Murphy played two sisters who run away from home to pursue a life of crime as jewelry thieves who become affiliated with the mafia. The film, which was marketed with the tagline, "A sin-steeped story of the rise of the Beat Generation
Beat generation
The Beat Generation refers to a group of American post-WWII writers who came to prominence in the 1950s, as well as the cultural phenomena that they both documented and inspired...
," struck a chord with its core audience and has become a cult classic
Cult Classic
Cult Classic is a Blue Öyster Cult studio recording released in 1994, containing remakes of many of the band's previous hits.-Track listing:# " The Reaper" - 5:05# "E.T.I...
. In an interview, Eberhardt mused on the film's cult popularity by speculating, "The film tapped into what kids were feeling — that society sucked and they were rebelling against it."
In 2007, Eberhardt's image from Live Fast, Die Young appeared on T-shirt
T-shirt
A T-shirt is a style of shirt. A T-shirt is buttonless and collarless, with short sleeves and frequently a round neck line....
s worn by Slash
Slash (musician)
Saul Hudson , known by his stage name Slash, is a British-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the former lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During his later years with Guns N'...
, the former guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
for Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band, formed in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band has released six studio albums, three EPs, and one live album...
and member of the supergroup
Supergroup (music)
In the late 1960s, the term supergroup was coined to describe "a rock music group whose performers are already famous from having performed individually or in other groups"....
, Velvet Revolver
Velvet Revolver
Velvet Revolver is an American hard rock supergroup consisting of former Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, and Matt Sorum, alongside Dave Kushner formerly of punk band Wasted Youth. Stone Temple Pilots vocalist Scott Weiland was Velvet Revolver's lead singer from their formation until...
. Eberhardt was described as "highly amused" when she discovered that her likeness appeared on Slash's wardrobe.
Eberhardt switched to television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
, including guest roles on Dragnet
Dragnet (series)
Dragnet is a radio and television crime drama about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners...
in 1959 and the CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
sitcom, Hogan's Heroes
Hogan's Heroes
Hogan's Heroes is an American television sitcom that ran for 168 episodes from September 17, 1965, to March 28, 1971, on the CBS network. The show was set in a German prisoner of war camp during the Second World War. Bob Crane had the starring role as Colonel Robert E...
, in 1969.
Personal life
Eberhardt married Claude DauphinClaude Dauphin (actor)
Claude Dauphin was a French actor. He appeared in over 130 films between 1930 and 1978.He was born in Corbeil-Essonnes, Essonne. His father was Maurice Étienne Legrand, a poet who wrote as Franc-Nohain, and who was the librettist for Maurice Ravel's opera L'heure espagnole.Dauphin married...
, a French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
actor and former member of the French Resistance
French Resistance
The French Resistance is the name used to denote the collection of French resistance movements that fought against the Nazi German occupation of France and against the collaborationist Vichy régime during World War II...
, in 1955. Dauphin, who began acting in the 1930s, operated an underground radio station in Nazi occupied France during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. The couple divided their married life between residences in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, New York City, Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey
Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey
Ocean Township is a township located in east central Monmouth County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 27,291.Oakhurst and Wanamassa Ocean Township is a township located in east central Monmouth County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census,...
, and Hollywood. Dauphin died in 1978.
She was a founding member and an honorary trustee
Trustee
Trustee is a legal term which, in its broadest sense, can refer to any person who holds property, authority, or a position of trust or responsibility for the benefit of another...
of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum in Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.
Norma Eberhardt died of a stroke at Lenox Hill Hospital
Lenox Hill Hospital
Lenox Hill Hospital, on Manhattan's Upper East Side in New York City, is a 652-bed, acute care hospital and a major teaching affiliate of New York University Medical Center. Founded in 1857 as the German Dispensary, today's 10-building Lenox Hill Hospital complex has occupied its present site since...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
on September 16, 2011, at the age of 82. She was survived by her 108-year-old father, George Eberhardt, and six brothers and sisters. Her funeral was held at the Church House of the Presbyterian Church in Shrewsbury, New Jersey
Shrewsbury, New Jersey
Shrewsbury is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 3,809....
.