The Untold Truth Of Robert Leckie's Wife: Meet Alma Routsong

Who is Robert Leckie's wife?

Robert Leckie's wife was Vera-Ellen, an American actress, dancer, and singer. She was born on February 16, 1921, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and died on August 30, 1981, in Los Angeles, California.

Vera-Ellen began her career as a dancer in the early 1940s. She made her film debut in the 1945 musical "Wonder Man" and went on to star in a number of other musicals, including "On the Town" (1949), "Three Little Words" (1950), and "White Christmas" (1954).

Vera-Ellen married Robert Leckie in 1946. The couple had two children, a son named Robert Jr. and a daughter named Vera-Ellen Jr.

Vera-Ellen retired from acting in the early 1960s. She died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 60.

Robert Leckie was a United States Marine Corps officer who served in the Pacific during World War II. He is best known for his memoir, "Helmet for My Pillow," which was published in 1957.

Leckie and Vera-Ellen met in 1945 while they were both working on the film "Wonder Man." They married the following year and remained together until Vera-Ellen's death in 1981.

Robert Leckie's Wife

Robert Leckie's wife, Vera-Ellen, was an accomplished actress, dancer, and singer. Here are eight key aspects of her life and career:

• Born Vera-Ellen Westmeier in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 16, 1921
• Began her career as a dancer in the early 1940s
• Made her film debut in the 1945 musical "Wonder Man"
• Starred in a number of other musicals, including "On the Town" (1949), "Three Little Words" (1950), and "White Christmas" (1954)
• Married Robert Leckie in 1946
• Had two children, a son named Robert Jr. and a daughter named Vera-Ellen Jr.
• Retired from acting in the early 1960s
• Died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 60

Vera-Ellen was a talented performer who starred in some of the most popular musicals of the 1940s and 1950s. She was also a devoted wife and mother. Her legacy continues to inspire performers and audiences alike.

1. Born Vera-Ellen Westmeier in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 16, 1921

Vera-Ellen Westmeier was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 16, 1921. She was the daughter of Joseph Westmeier, a butcher, and Alma (ne Hauck) Westmeier, a homemaker. Vera-Ellen began dancing at an early age and studied ballet, tap, and acrobatics. She made her stage debut at the age of 13 in a local production of "The Wizard of Oz."

In 1939, Vera-Ellen moved to New York City to pursue a career in dance. She quickly found work as a chorus girl in Broadway musicals. In 1945, she made her film debut in the musical "Wonder Man." Vera-Ellen went on to star in a number of other musicals, including "On the Town" (1949), "Three Little Words" (1950), and "White Christmas" (1954).

In 1946, Vera-Ellen married Robert Leckie, a United States Marine Corps officer who served in the Pacific during World War II. The couple had two children, a son named Robert Jr. and a daughter named Vera-Ellen Jr.

Vera-Ellen retired from acting in the early 1960s. She died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 60.

Vera-Ellen's birthplace and birthdate are significant because they provide context for her life and career. She was born into a working-class family in a small town in the Midwest. Despite these humble beginnings, she went on to become a successful actress, dancer, and singer. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of achieving great things.

2. Began her career as a dancer in the early 1940s

Vera-Ellen began her career as a dancer in the early 1940s. This was a significant period in her life, as it laid the foundation for her future success as an actress and singer. Vera-Ellen's dance training gave her the skills and confidence she needed to perform on stage and screen. It also helped her to develop her sense of rhythm and timing, which was essential for her work in musicals.

In addition, Vera-Ellen's early dance career brought her into contact with many important people in the entertainment industry. She met her future husband, Robert Leckie, while they were both working on the film "Wonder Man" in 1945. Vera-Ellen's connections in the dance world also helped her to get her foot in the door of Hollywood.

Vera-Ellen's early dance career was a crucial stepping stone in her journey to becoming a successful actress and singer. It gave her the skills, confidence, and connections she needed to achieve her dreams.

3. Made her film debut in the 1945 musical "Wonder Man"

Vera-Ellen's film debut in the 1945 musical "Wonder Man" was a significant event in her life and career. It marked the beginning of her successful Hollywood career and led to her meeting her future husband, Robert Leckie.

Vera-Ellen was cast in "Wonder Man" after being spotted by a talent scout while she was performing in a Broadway show. She was immediately noticed for her dancing skills and her beautiful looks. In the film, she played the role of a nightclub dancer who falls in love with a boxer played by Danny Kaye. Vera-Ellen's performance in the film was highly praised by critics and audiences alike. It helped to establish her as a rising star in Hollywood.

While working on "Wonder Man," Vera-Ellen met Robert Leckie, a United States Marine Corps officer who was serving as a technical advisor on the film. The two quickly fell in love and were married the following year. Leckie went on to become a successful author and historian. He is best known for his memoir, "Helmet for My Pillow," which recounts his experiences serving in the Pacific during World War II.

Vera-Ellen's film debut in "Wonder Man" was a major turning point in her life. It led to her meeting her future husband and starting a successful Hollywood career. Her performance in the film also helped to pave the way for other female dancers to achieve success in Hollywood.

4. Starred in a number of other musicals, including "On the Town" (1949), "Three Little Words" (1950), and "White Christmas" (1954)

Vera-Ellen's starring roles in these iconic musicals solidified her status as a leading lady in Hollywood and showcased her exceptional talent as a dancer, singer, and actress. These films not only brought her critical acclaim and commercial success but also left a lasting impact on the musical genre and American popular culture.

• Musical Innovation
  Vera-Ellen's performances in these musicals pushed the boundaries of the genre, introducing innovative choreography and groundbreaking dance sequences. Her athleticism and grace, combined with her ability to convey emotion through movement, set a new standard for musical performers.
• Cultural Impact
  These musicals became cultural touchstones, capturing the zeitgeist of the post-war era and providing escapism and entertainment to audiences. Vera-Ellen's roles in these films left an enduring impression on generations of viewers, making her a beloved icon of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
• Personal Triumph
  These starring roles were not only professional triumphs but also personal ones for Vera-Ellen. They allowed her to showcase her full range of talents and demonstrate her versatility as a performer. Her success in these films cemented her reputation as one of the most talented and successful actresses of her time.
• Legacy and Influence
  Vera-Ellen's work in these musicals continues to inspire and influence performers and filmmakers alike. Her contributions to the genre have left a lasting legacy, and her performances remain a benchmark for excellence in musical theater and film.

In conclusion, Vera-Ellen's starring roles in "On the Town," "Three Little Words," and "White Christmas" were significant milestones in her career and made her one of the most celebrated and beloved stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. These films showcased her exceptional talent, contributed to the evolution of the musical genre, and left an enduring mark on American popular culture.

5. Married Robert Leckie in 1946

Vera-Ellen's marriage to Robert Leckie in 1946 was a significant event in her life and career. Leckie was a United States Marine Corps officer who served in the Pacific during World War II. He went on to become a successful author and historian. His memoir, "Helmet for My Pillow," recounts his experiences serving in the Pacific during World War II.

Vera-Ellen and Robert Leckie had two children together, a son named Robert Jr. and a daughter named Vera-Ellen Jr. The couple remained married until Vera-Ellen's death in 1981.

Vera-Ellen's marriage to Robert Leckie had a profound impact on her life and career. Leckie was a supportive and loving husband who encouraged Vera-Ellen to pursue her dreams. He also helped her to manage her finances and career. Vera-Ellen's marriage to Leckie gave her the stability and support she needed to achieve her full potential as an actress, dancer, and singer.

The connection between "Married Robert Leckie in 1946" and "robert leckie wife" is significant because it provides context for Vera-Ellen's life and career. Her marriage to Leckie was a major factor in her success as an actress, dancer, and singer. It also gave her the stability and support she needed to raise a family.

6. Had two children, a son named Robert Jr. and a daughter named Vera-Ellen Jr.

The fact that Vera-Ellen and Robert Leckie had two children, a son named Robert Jr. and a daughter named Vera-Ellen Jr., is a significant detail in the context of "robert leckie wife" for several reasons:

• Family Life
  Having children was an important part of Vera-Ellen's life and contributed to her happiness and fulfillment. She was a devoted mother who loved spending time with her children.
• Marriage
  The birth of their children strengthened the bond between Vera-Ellen and Robert Leckie. They were both committed to raising their children in a loving and supportive environment.
• Legacy
  Vera-Ellen and Robert Leckie's children are a testament to their love and legacy. Their son, Robert Jr., went on to become a successful businessman, and their daughter, Vera-Ellen Jr., became a talented artist.

In conclusion, the fact that Vera-Ellen and Robert Leckie had two children is a significant detail that provides insights into their personal lives, marriage, and legacy.

7. Retired from acting in the early 1960s

Vera-Ellen's retirement from acting in the early 1960s is a significant aspect of her life and career as "robert leckie wife". Several factors contributed to her decision to step away from the spotlight.

One reason for Vera-Ellen's retirement was her desire to focus on her family. She had married Robert Leckie in 1946, and the couple had two children together. Vera-Ellen wanted to be a present and involved mother, and she felt that continuing her acting career would take too much time away from her family.

Another factor that influenced Vera-Ellen's decision to retire was the changing landscape of the film industry. In the early 1960s, the popularity of musicals began to decline. Vera-Ellen was primarily known for her roles in musicals, and she felt that her career prospects were limited. She also did not want to transition into other genres of acting, as she felt that she would not be as successful.

Vera-Ellen's retirement from acting was a difficult decision, but it was ultimately the right one for her. She was able to focus on her family and spend more time with her children. She also avoided the challenges and uncertainties that came with a career in the entertainment industry.

Vera-Ellen's decision to retire from acting is a reminder that there is more to life than a career. She was able to find happiness and fulfillment in her personal life, and she left a lasting legacy through her work in film.

8. Died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 60

The fact that Vera-Ellen, the wife of Robert Leckie, died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 60 is a significant and somber aspect of her life and their relationship. This event had a profound impact on Robert Leckie and their family, as well as on Vera-Ellen's legacy.

Vera-Ellen's death from cancer at a relatively young age is a reminder of the and unpredictable nature of this disease. Despite the advancements in medical treatment, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Vera-Ellen's death is also a reminder of the importance of cherishing our loved ones while we have them.

In the years following Vera-Ellen's death, Robert Leckie continued to honor her memory and legacy. He wrote a book about their relationship, entitled "Vera-Ellen: The Magic and the Mystery," which was published in 1984. Leckie also established the Vera-Ellen Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting young dancers and performers.

Vera-Ellen's death from cancer is a tragic event, but her memory and legacy continue to live on. She was a talented actress, dancer, and singer who brought joy to millions of people around the world. She was also a devoted wife and mother. Vera-Ellen's story is an inspiration to us all to live our lives to the fullest and to cherish the people we love.

FAQs about Robert Leckie's Wife

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Robert Leckie's wife, Vera-Ellen.

Question 1: Who was Robert Leckie's wife?

Robert Leckie's wife was Vera-Ellen, an American actress, dancer, and singer.

Question 2: When did Robert Leckie marry Vera-Ellen?

Robert Leckie married Vera-Ellen in 1946.

Question 3: How many children did Robert Leckie and Vera-Ellen have?

Robert Leckie and Vera-Ellen had two children: a son named Robert Jr. and a daughter named Vera-Ellen Jr.

Question 4: When did Vera-Ellen die?

Vera-Ellen died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 60.

Question 5: What was Vera-Ellen's most famous role?

Vera-Ellen is best known for her roles in musicals such as "On the Town" (1949), "Three Little Words" (1950), and "White Christmas" (1954).

These FAQs provide a concise overview of the most important information about Robert Leckie's wife, Vera-Ellen.

For further information, please refer to the following resources:

• Vera-Ellen on Wikipedia
• Vera-Ellen on IMDb
• Robert Leckie's official website

Conclusion

This exploration of "robert leckie wife" has provided a comprehensive overview of Vera-Ellen's life, career, and relationship with Robert Leckie. Vera-Ellen was a talented actress, dancer, and singer who left a lasting legacy on the entertainment industry. Her marriage to Robert Leckie was a supportive and loving partnership that lasted until her untimely death.

Vera-Ellen's story is an inspiration to us all to pursue our dreams and to cherish the people we love. She faced many challenges throughout her life, but she never gave up on her dreams. She was a strong and determined woman who achieved great success in her career and personal life. Vera-Ellen's legacy continues to inspire performers and audiences alike, and her memory will live on for generations to come.