Lorraine Melba Hinton (1931-2000) (also known as Lori Hart) was raised in San Francisco, California. She was a classmate and friend of Barbara Eden while attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In fact, it was Lorraine that helped Barbara get her first gig onstage. Lorraine was a semifinalist in Miss San Francisco of 1950 and 1952, keeping in touch with Barbara throughout her career. She sang in nightclubs throughout the 1950's, getting a contract with 20th Century-Fox with the help of Barbara.
Sadly, her career never launched. Her sole win was as Queen of the Fiesta in 1952. She was fortunate enough to get a gig on Groucho Marx' You Bet Your Life where she acted as his co-host. She is survived by her son Jeffrey.
“She dated William Freml, a gifted jazz musician who lived in Palm Springs. He was the love of her life but she didn't marry him because he was a a fifth-a-day alcoholic. He died by suicide in 1975.” - Jeffrey Hart
50s
