This genteel lead and secondary player was born in the Midwest but raised in NYC. After working briefly as a Powers model, Hunt entered films in the mid-1930s but did not hit her stride until she landed at MGM in the early 40s. She acted in many enjoyable B Westerns early in her career and got laughs as the middle and very bookish Bennet sister in the Greer Garson-Laurence Olivier version of "Pride and Prejudice" (1940). The versatile actress amassed a number of fine performances including a turn as a socialite in "The Human Comedy" (1943) and later appeared in the gripping, Anthony Mann-directed film noir "Raw Deal" (1948).Hunt's liberal leanings led to her being blacklisted in the 1950s. Nevertheless, she continued working on stage, touring in such shows as T.S. Eliot's "The Cocktail Party" (1951) and "The Lady's Not for Burning" (1952-54) as well as appearing in California productions of "Private Lives" and "Major Barbara". There were occasional film roles in such efforts as "The Happy Time" (1952) and "No Place to Hide" (1957). During the 60s, she continued to make occasional TV and stage appearances. After a decade off the big screen, during which she became active in civic and charitable activities, Hunt was cast as Timothy Bottom's mother in "Johnny, Got His Gun" (1971) but her feature career was virtually over. She made only one other screen appearance, as a party guest, in George Cukor's last film "Rich and Famous" (1981).
Profession(s):
Actor, model
Sometimes Credited As:
Marcia Virginia Hunt
Family
father:Earl Hunt
husband:Jerry Hopper (married on November 23, 1938; divorced in 1945)
husband:Robert Presnell Jr (married on February 10, 1946 until his death)
mother:Minabel Hunt (died on June 5, 1971 at age 79)
sister:Marjorie Hunt (older)
Education
P S 9 New York, New York
Horace Mann School for Girls New York, New York 1934
Theodora Irvine Studio for the Theater New York, New York 1934
1981 Final film appearance as a party guest in "Rich and Famous", directed by George Cukor
1971 Played Timothy Bottoms' mother in "Johnny Got His Gun"
1960 Appeared in "The Plunderers"; last film for 11 years
1951 Early TV credit, "Cosmopolitan Theater"
1948 Made Broadway debut opposite Alfred Drake in "Joy to the World"
1940 Put under contract by MGM
1935 Film acting debut in "Virginia Judge"
Raised in Brooklyn, New York
Worked as a John Powers model
Blacklisted from studios in early 1950s
While blacklisted from films, appeared in touring companies of plays like "The Cocktail Party" (1951) and "The Lady's Not for Burning" (1952-1954)
