Introduction
Marian Shockley (also Marian Shockley Collyer) (October 10, 1911 – December 14, 1981) was an American film actress of the 1930s.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Marian Shockley (sometimes known as Marion Shockley) was selected as a "WAMPAS Baby Star" in 1932, alongside Ginger Rogers and Gloria Stuart, among others. From 1930 to 1934 she starred in nineteen films, all B-movies, including the 1931 western Near the Trails End opposite Bob Steele, and, that same year, Heroes of the Flames starring opposite Tim McCoy.
There were fourteen girls selected as "WAMPAS Baby Stars" in 1932. Of those, several saw continued success in acting, whereas others would see short lived success, then watch their acting career end with little notoriety. Shockley would be in the latter group. She continued auditioning for parts, receiving only one between 1934 and 1943. She played a small role in Stage Door Canteen (1943). She would have a couple of television roles following that.
On radio, Shockley was the first person to play Nikki Porter, Ellery Queen's secretary, in The Adventures of Ellery Queen, filling that role from 1939 to 1944. In 1939, she married the program's producer-director, George Zachary.
Personal life
Marian retired from acting in 1953. She was a sister-in-law to Stuart Erwin and actress June Collyer, and was married to actor Bud Collyer from 1946 until his death in 1969 and with whom she had three children. She died on December 14, 1981, aged 70.