Betty Furness

Elizabeth Mary Furness, known as Betty Furness, was born on January 3, 1916, and passed away on April 2, 1994. She carved out a diverse career as an American actress, consumer advocate, and current affairs commentator. Furness began her journey in the entertainment industry as a model, which led to her discovery by a talent scout. In 1932, she signed a film contract with RKO Studios, marking the start of her acting career. Her first role was the "Thirteenth Woman" in the film Thirteen Women, although her scenes ultimately did not make it to the final cut.

Throughout the following years, Furness gained popularity through her performances in various RKO productions, including notable films like Magnificent Obsession (1935) and the iconic musical Swing Time (1936) featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. By the late 1930s, she had appeared in over forty films. However, the 1940s proved challenging as acting opportunities became scarce.

In 1948, Furness took on a role in the live television series Studio One. During an advertisement break, she stepped in to promote Westinghouse products and impressed the company with her charisma and professionalism. This led to a significant partnership, and she became a prominent figure associated with Westinghouse, further expanding her influence beyond acting.