Vera ralston bio

Vera ralston net worth

Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, Vera Ralston was the daughter of a wealthy jeweler. Her exact birthdate remains a subject of debate, with Ralston giving varying accounts throughout her life. As a figure skater, she represented Czechoslovakia internationally, known then by her maiden name, Hruba. Later that year, she participated in the Winter Olympics, where she finished 17th.

Vera ralston movies

Legend has it that during the Olympics, Ralston had a controversial encounter with Adolf Hitler. When asked if she would "skate for the swastika," she allegedly replied that she would rather skate "across the swastika. In the early s, Hruba emigrated to the United States, becoming a naturalized citizen in Embarking on a new chapter, she moved to Hollywood with her mother and in , signed a contract with Republic Pictures.

Despite their nearly year age difference, Yates left his wife and children for her. His position within the studio gave Ralston a leg up in her acting career, leading to shareholders suing Yates for excessive use of his authority. Known for her heavy Czech accent, Ralston often played immigrant characters. Despite initial language barriers, she eventually developed her acting skills.

Ralston retired from acting in After struggling with a nervous breakdown following his passing, Ralston remarried and lived a quiet life in Southern California. She passed away on February 9, , in Santa Barbara, California, after a long battle with cancer.