Lita Baron

Lita Baron
Born Isabel Castro
August 11, 1923
Almeria, Spain
Died December 16, 2015 (aged 92)
Palm Springs, California, United States
Other names Isabelitta
Occupation Actress, singer
Years active 1944–1979
Spouse(s) Rory Calhoun (1948–1970)
Children 3

Lita Baron (born Isabel Castro; August 11, 1923 – December 16, 2015)[1] was a Spanish-born American actress and singer who appeared in movies and television shows for over 30 years.

Early life

Baron was born Isabel Castro in Almeria, Spain, on August 11, 1923, and emigrated to United States with her family in 1928. Her parents were Pedro and Francesca Castro.[2]

After moving, the family lived in River Rouge, Michigan,[1] where she attended River Rouge High School.[3]

Career

Baron started her career in show business as a singer and dancer with Xavier Cugat's orchestra. Billed as Isabelitta, she also had her own act in nightclubs in Hollywood.[1]

Starting in 1944, she appeared in several Hollywood films and television series. Her last screen role came in the 1979 film Bitter Heritage, in which her then ex-husband Rory Calhoun starred.[4] She later worked in radio and real estate.[2]

Personal life

In 1948, Baron married Hollywood actor Rory Calhoun. The couple had three daughters in total: Cindy, Tami, and Lori. Baron and Calhoun divorced in 1970, with her citing his multiple extra-marital affairs as one of the reasons for the separation.[5]

Death

Baron died in Palm Springs, California on December 16, 2015, at age 92. Cause of death was a broken hip.[4]

Filmography

Year Title Role
1944That's My Baby!Isabelita
1945Pan-AmericanaLupita
Club HavanaIsabelita
1946High School HeroChi-Chi
Don Ricardo ReturnsDorothea
1947That's My GalIsabelita
1948Jungle JimZia
1949Bomba on Panther IslandLosana
1954Jesse James' WomenDelta
1956The Broken StarConchita Alvarado
1979Bitter HeritageLa Madre

References

  1. 1 2 3 Lentz, Harris M. III (2016). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2015. McFarland. ISBN 9781476625539. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  2. 1 2 "Lita Baron". The Desert Sun. January 17, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  3. ↑ "High School Dancer". Detroit Free Press. Michigan, Detroit. January 6, 1940. p. 20. Retrieved March 25, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 Barnes, Mike (January 14, 2016). "Lita Baron, Spanish-Born Actress and Nightclub Performer, Dies at 92". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  5. ↑ Vallance, Tom (May 3, 1999). "Obituary: Rory Calhoun". The Independent. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
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