Dorothy Howe, better known by her stage name Virginia Vale, was a talented American film actress born on May 20, 1920. She made a name for herself in the entertainment industry by starring in a variety of B-movie Westerns, as well as other notable roles such as her portrayal of a race car driver in the 1941 film "Blonde Comet".
Before embarking on her acting career, Vale honed her skills by working as a switchboard operator in Dallas, Texas, and by performing in local productions at a little theater in the city. Her big break came when a representative from Paramount Pictures discovered her talent and invited her to make a screen test, which ultimately led to her signing a contract with the studio.
Vale's early films were released under her birth name, but she later adopted the stage name Virginia Vale, which had been previously chosen for the winner of the 1939 Gateway to Hollywood contest, a nationwide talent search sponsored by producer Jesse Lasky. She won the contest, beating out Rhonda Fleming in the process.
After her acting career, Vale went on to become an executive secretary at Lockheed and a competition judge for the US Figure Skating Association. She was honored by the USFSA for her 50 years of service as a judge, and her life in film and skating was featured at the 2002 U.S. figure skating championships. A memorial trophy was also given in her name at the 2007 California Championships in recognition of her "most outstanding performance".
Vale's life was marked by her passion for both film and figure skating, and she was a talented and accomplished individual who left a lasting impact on both industries. She passed away on September 14, 2006, but her legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered.
