Peggy Bernier

Peggy Bernier (19 march 1907-5 march 2001) was a comedian and film actress who was popular in the 1920s and 1930s.

tage comedian

She was a chorus girl who was promoted by orchestra leader and master of ceremonies, Paul Ash. Ash also assisted Ginger Rogers, Tommy Mally, Dave Appolon, and Paul Small. He was sometimes called "Maker of Radio and Stage Stars". At the age of Bernier wasin a musical show in New York City. The show disbanded in Chicago, Illinois and Bernier was at one time sitting in a restaurant, unemployed. Ash noticed her and offered her an engagement after she volunteered an impersonation of Al Jolson while in the eating establishment, with her friends. Bernier accompanied Ash, was a success with him, and later in California.

Bernier was with the "Rubeville Follies", produced by Jack Partington, in August 1926. She appeared at the Metropolitan Theater in Los Angeles, California. She was billedas "Al Jolson's world's worst voice girl". In November she was in the cast of "Actors' Night In Coffee Dan's", which included a unique stage setting and new numbers sung by Brenier.

She was on stage at the Paramount Theater in June 1929. The following week she began rehearsing for a musical show entitled "Me For You". It had an original musical comedy libretto written by Owen Davis, with lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The show played the Alvin Theatre on Broadway after being presented in Detroit, Michigan and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bernier was joined in the cast by Jack Whiting, Betty Compton, and Gordon King. The producers were Alexander Aarons and Vinton Freedley."Me For You" was about the daughter of a bootlegger. Every character in the play appeared to be involved in the moonshine business.

In January 1931 Bernier replaced Frances Upton in "You Said It", which was then "trying out" in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The comedy opened in New York at Chanin's 46th Street Theater with Jack Yellen and Lou Holtz (actor) as producers. Holtz performed the featured role as "the old undergraduate". Bernier was among thesupporting actors as were Lyda Roberti and George Haggerty. The comedy'slibretto was authored by Yellen and Sid Silvers. When "Children of Divorce" (1926) played the Metropolitan Theater, Bernier was in the variety entertainment which accompanied thescreening of the Clara Bow and Gary Cooper movie. Bernier sang hit songs with Eddie Peabody who presented an exciting jazz divertissement, "Piano Mania". Bernier and Peabody combined for similar stage shows at other premieres. Some of the titlesinclude "Way Out West" and "Opera vs. Jazz" In May 1927 Bernier sang "Crazy Words". The song mentions Napoleon Bonaparte, Mark Antony, Admiral Perry, and others.

Movies

She was in the "Hit Parade" (1937), a motion picture whichstarred Frances Langford and Phil Regan. Bernier played in "One On The Aisle" (1930) and has an uncredited role in "Rebellious Daughters" (1938).

Marriage

Bernier married Milton Watson, a featured actor in the comedy routine "Sons o' Guns". Watson was also discovered by Ash when he was studying to become a school teacher in California.

References

*cite news| publisher=Charleston Daily Mail |title=Maker Of Stars Is Paul Ash's Record |date=May 3, 1931 |page=23
*cite news| publisher=Los Angeles Times |title=Diplomacy Adapted From Victorien Sardou Romance |date=August 27, 1926 |page=A9
*cite news| publisher=Los Angeles Times |title=Shirley Wasn't Playing Either |date=November 13, 1926 |page=7
*cite news| publisher=Los Angeles Times |title=Playdom |date=April 23, 1927 |page=A7
*cite news| publisher=Los Angeles Times |title=Peggy Bernier Wins Chance By Impersonation |date=May 17, 1927 |page=A11
*cite news| publisher=New York Times |title=Gossip of the Rialto |date=June 23, 1929 |page=X1
*cite news| publisher=New York Times |title=Two New Musical Plays |date=June 25, 1929 |page=40
*cite news| publisher=New York Times |title="Me For You" Coming Here |date=September 9, 1929 |page=36
*cite news| publisher=New York Times |title=In The Tryout Places |date=September 22, 1929 |page=X2
*cite news| publisher=New York Times |title=Theatrical Notes
date=January 7, 1931 |page=38
*cite news| publisher=New York Times |title="You Said It" at Chanin's Jan. 19 |date=January 9, 1931 |page=28
*cite news| publisher=New York Times |title=The Week's Opening
date=January 18, 1931 |page=107
*cite news| publisher=Oakland Tribune |title=Orpheum Bills "Hit Parade" For Thursday |date=May 4, 1937 |page=20