Born Jean Shriley Verhagen in Chicago, IL. She came to New York in 1945, following graduation as a drama major from Northwestern University, and after several months as a radio performer and theater usherette launched her stage career on Broadway. She was signed by MGM on a movie contract in 1949 and showed much promise in her screen debut as Judy Holliday's home-wrecker in ADAM'S RIB (1949), but with the notable exception of THE ASPHALT JUNGLE (1950) and SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952), the film industry failed to take advantage of her versatile talent as a dramatic actress and comedienne. Other film credits include HALF A HERO (1953), THE BIG KNIFE (1955), SPRING REUNION (1956), THE SHAGGY DOG (1959), SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO (1960), PANIC IN THE YEAR ZERO! (1962) and DEAD RINGER (1964). From 1953 to 1957 she played Danny Thomas' wife in the popular TV series "Make Room for Daddy" and was nominated for two Emmy Awards. She died of throat cancer at 54.  Nominated for Supporting Actress 1952: SINGIN' IN THE RAIN 1 nomination