Gwen Lee

	Gwen Lee
	; Gwen Lee
	Background information
Born as:	Gwendolyn Lepinski
Other names:	Gwendolyn Lee
Born	Nov 12, 1904; Hastings, Nebraska
Died	Aug 20, 1961 - at age 57; Reno, Nevada;
Occupation:	Actress (1925 - 1938)
Height:	5' 7" (1.7m)
	Editor's note about articles in this category

Gwen Lee (born Gwendolyn Lepinski; ✦November 12, 1904 – †August 20, 1961) was an American stage and film actress. Lee began her career as a model before being discovered and signed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. She was primarily cast in supporting roles. Over her career, Lee appeared in more than 60 films before retiring in 1938.

Acting career

Born to Mriette (née Kennedy) and Frank B. Lepinski in Hastings, Nebraska, Lee began her career as a department store model. She was discovered by director Monta Bell while appearing in a stage production. She signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1925. The same year, she made her film debut in Lady of the Night (1925 film), starring Norma Shearer. She followed with roles in Pretty Ladies, starring Zasu Pitts His Secretary, and The Plastic Age (film), starring Clara Bow. In 1926, Lee was cast in The Lone Wolfe Returns, starring Bert Lytell and Billie Dove.

In 1928, she was named a WAMPAS Baby Star. Lee continued her career with supporting roles in Laugh, Clown, Laugh and The Actress (1928) (both 1928). Her career continued for almost a decade into the era of sound movies. Lee played Marjory in Untamed (1929), with Joan Crawford and Robert Montgomery. She appeared again with Crawford and Marie Prevost in the prison drama Paid (1930). In 1931, she was in The Galloping Ghost (serial), with famed football running back Red Grange, and the crime drama The Lawless Woman, with Vera Reynolds. In 1932, she appeared in the Western Broadway to Cheyenne (1932), with Rex Bell.

By the late 1930s, Lee was appearing in minor film roles, most of which were uncredited. Her later film roles included Man-Proof and Paroled from the Big House, both released in 1938.

Personal life

Lee was sued by her mother, Etta Lepinski, in March 1932. Lee was charged in a petition for guardianship. The lawsuit alleged that Lee was incompetent in handling her affairs, specifically because she could not manage her jewellery and personal property, valued at more than $1,000 (about $17,208 in 2019). The case was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Lee's mother dropped the suit in April, citing improvement in her daughter's health. Later that same year, Lee was also sued by two clothiers for nonpayment.

On May 4, 1943, she married George Mence, Jr.