June Havoc

Biography

June Havoc, originally named Ellen June Evangeline Hovick, was a multifaceted Canadian American talent recognized for her contributions as an actress, dancer, writer, and stage director. Born into the world of entertainment, she began performing in vaudeville as a child under the guidance of her mother, Rose Thompson Hovick. June's early exposure to the spotlight paved the way for a successful career on Broadway and in Hollywood, where she not only showcased her acting skills but also took on stage directing roles both on and off-Broadway. She made her final television appearance in 1990 on the soap opera General Hospital.

June's sister, Louise, known famously as Gypsy Rose Lee, found her niche in burlesque, but it was June's prodigious talent that often captivated audiences. The two sisters supported their family through vaudeville performances following their parents’ divorce. June's breakthrough came when she caught the attention of theater magnate Alexander Pantages, leading her to a prominent career in both vaudeville and silent films.

In a bid for independence from her controlling mother, June eloped with Bobby Reed in December 1928, a decision that sparked a dramatic confrontation with her mother. Although the marriage was short-lived, June maintained a cordial relationship with Reed. She had a daughter, April Rose Hyde, who later became an actress known as April Kent before her untimely passing in Paris in 1998. June Havoc's legacy endures as a testament to her remarkable journey in the world of entertainment.