Merle Oberon

Highest Rated: 100% These Three (1936)

Lowest Rated: 13% The Oscar (1966)

Birthday: Feb 19, 1911

Birthplace: Bombay, India

The exotic and glamorous Merle Oberon ranked among the most striking performers during the early years of sound cinema in Britain. Beginning with her first notable turn in "The Private Life of Henry VIII" (1933), Oberon's popularity grew via additional hits like "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (1934), and her Academy Award-nominated performance in "The Dark Angel" (1936) established her as a star in America as well. Well cast as sophisticated, upper-class women, her look and deportment worked nicely in both period costume outings and contemporary drama. She appeared in her most famous role as heroine Cathy in "Wuthering Heights" (1939). American films made up the lion's share of the actress' schedule during the 1940s, including artistic triumphs like "The Lodger" (1944).