Rochelle Hudson

Biography

Rochelle Hudson (March 6, 1916 — January 17, 1972) was a prominent American actress who graced the silver screen from the 1930s to the 1960s. Born in Oklahoma City, Hudson embarked on her acting journey as a teenager, signing a contract with RKO Pictures at just 17 years old on November 22, 1930.

Hudson is perhaps best known for her roles in classic films such as *Wild Boys of the Road* (1933) and *Les Misérables* (1935), where she portrayed Cosette. She also starred as Mary Blair, the older sister of Shirley Temple’s character in *Curly Top* (1935), and played the mother of Natalie Wood in the iconic film *Rebel Without a Cause* (1955). Her career flourished in the 1930s with memorable performances, including her role as Richard Cromwell’s love interest in *Life Begins at 40* (1935), W.C. Fields’ daughter in *Poppy* (1936), and Claudette Colbert's adult daughter in *Imitation of Life* (1934).

In the 1933 film *She Done Him Wrong*, Hudson delivered a notable performance as Sally Glynn, the ingenue who receives Mae West’s famous line about women who "go wrong." Transitioning to television, she co-starred alongside Gil Stratton and Eddie Mayehoff in the CBS sitcom *That's My Boy* during the 1954–1955 season, showcasing her versatile talent across mediums. Hudson's legacy endures as a significant figure in early American cinema.