Myrna Loy was a dynamic performer during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was born in Montana to ranchers, appreciating the pioneering spirit of her mother and grandmother. Myra's mother was involved in liberal causes and this exposure inspired Myrna's future interests. But it was her grandmother who took her to a play in town which sparked Myrna's interest in acting. After WWI, her family moved to California where Myrna thrived in Venice High School's dance and drama program. While performing in a brother-sister dance team, Myrna was discovered by the famous actor Rudolph Valentino. She started in bit parts in films moving into vamp roles. Not satisfied with this image, Myra was able to break her contract and became a freelance performer for various movie studios. 1934 was a crucial point in Myrna's career, as she was able to change her image to strong women characters. In 1936 she was named America's Most Popular Female Star. This allowed Myrna to challenge MGM studio to be paid equal to to the male leading actors. During WWII Myrna served as the assistant to the director of the Red Cross. Political causes were important to Myrna who was accused of being a communist by the Hollywood Reporter. She sued and the newspaper was forced to write a retraction. Being placed on Richard Nixon's Enemy List was a source of pride for Myrna. Myrna was an advisor to the National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing and a member of the Committee for the First Amendment. She felt her political activism prevented her from being nominated for an Oscar. My favorite Myrna Loy movie is Best Years of Our Lives, an Academy Award winning film portraying three servicemen returning home after WWII. Though she has a supporting role, Myrna has stunning moments of strength and humor, clearly showing she's been the backbone of her family.