Vera Miles

Born:August 23, 1929

Place of Birth:Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

Vera June Miles, the captivating American actress, was born on August 23, 1929, in Boise City, Oklahoma. Raised in the heartland of Kansas, she attended schools in Pratt and Wichita, where her journey to stardom began. Vera's elegant charm and talent shone brightly, earning her the prestigious title of "Miss Kansas" in 1948, which paved the way for her entry into Hollywood.

It was under the discerning eyes of legendary directors Alfred Hitchcock and John Ford that Vera's career soared to new heights. Ford showcased her in the iconic western "The Searchers" in 1956, while Hitchcock, recognizing her allure and skill, cast her in the suspenseful thriller "The Wrong Man" the same year. Hitchcock's admiration for Vera was evident when he hailed her as his "new Grace Kelly," a testament to her undeniable on-screen presence.

Despite facing a setback during the filming of "Vertigo" due to pregnancy, Vera Miles' collaboration with Hitchcock continued with a notable role in the chilling masterpiece "Psycho" in 1960. Her versatility and talent further shone through in Ford's "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" alongside John Wayne and James Stewart, solidifying her status as a respected actress in Hollywood.

Throughout her illustrious career, Vera graced the silver screen in a variety of roles, showcasing her remarkable range in films like "Beau James" opposite Bob Hope, "The FBI Story" with James Stewart, and "Back Street" alongside Susan Hayward and John Gavin. Her talent was not limited to the big screen, as she captivated audiences with her appearances in popular television series such as "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "Twilight Zone," "The Fugitive," and "Murder, She Wrote."

In a memorable return to her iconic role as "Lila Crane," Vera reprised her character in the suspenseful sequel "Psycho II" in 1983, sharing the screen once again with Anthony Perkins. Despite facing challenges and underutilization in Hollywood, Vera Miles' enduring legacy as a captivating actress remained untarnished until her retirement in 1995. Her contributions to the world of cinema continue to be celebrated, solidifying her place as a timeless talent in the history of Hollywood.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Psycho

Lila Crane

1960

When larcenous real estate clerk Marion Crane goes on the lam with a wad of cash and hopes of starting a new life, she ends up at the notorious Bates Motel, where manager Norman Bates cares for his housebound mother.

The Searchers

Laurie Jorgensen

1956

As a Civil War veteran spends years searching for a young niece captured by Indians, his motivation becomes increasingly questionable.

Psycho II

Lila Loomis

1983

Norman Bates is declared sane and released from the facility in which he was being held, despite the complaints of Lila Loomis, sister of his most famous victim. Is he really cured, or will he kill again?

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Hallie Stoddard

1962

Questions arise when Senator Stoddard attends the funeral of a local man named Tom Doniphon in a small Western town. Flashing back, we learn Doniphon saved Stoddard, then a lawyer, when he was roughed up by a crew of outlaws terrorizing the town, led by Liberty Valance. As the territory's safety hung in the balance, Doniphon and Stoddard, two of the only people standing up to him, proved to be very important, but different, foes to Valance.

The Initiation

Frances Fairchild

1984

An amnesiac sorority member who has been plagued by a recurring nightmare is stalked alongside other coeds by a killer in a deserted department store where they are completing a hazing ritual.

The Wrong Man

Rose Balestrero

1956

In 1953, an innocent man named Christopher Emmanuel "Manny" Balestrero is arrested after being mistaken for an armed robber.

Into the Night

Joan Caper

1985

Ed Okin used to have a boring life. He used to have trouble getting to sleep. Then one night, he met Diana. Now, Ed's having trouble staying alive.