Georgiana Young was an American actress who had a brief career in film, appearing alongside her sisters in the biographical drama The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (1939), followed by bit parts in two other films. She was the wife of Mexican actor Ricardo Montalbán from 1944 until her death. She died in 2007, aged 83, of undisclosed causes. In this article, we will explore her life and legacy as a Hollywood sister.
Early Life and Family
Georgiana Young was born in 1924, the daughter of George Uncus Belzer and Gladys Royal (formerly Young). She was raised Roman Catholic, along with her half-sisters, actresses Loretta Young, Polly Ann Young and Sally Blane. She was the maternal younger half-sister of these famous actresses, who were born to Gladys and her first husband, John Earle Lewis. Georgiana’s father, George Belzer, was a salesman who later became a radio producer.
Georgiana had a close relationship with her sisters, especially Loretta, who was 14 years older than her. Loretta helped Georgiana get into the film industry, signing her to a seven-year contract at age 13. Georgiana also looked up to Loretta as a role model, admiring her beauty and talent.
Film Career and Marriage
Georgiana’s film career was short-lived, though she appeared in a few films. Her debut role was as Berta Hubbard, sister of Mabel Gardiner Hubbard, in Irving Cummings’s 1939 biographical film The Story of Alexander Graham Bell, opposite her half-sisters Loretta (as Mabel), Sally and Polly Ann. The film was a success, earning four Academy Award nominations and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
She would later have bit parts in two other films: No, No, Nanette (1940) and Border Incident (1949), the latter of which starred her husband, actor Ricardo Montalbán, whom she married in 1944. Montalbán was a rising star in Hollywood, who had appeared in films such as Fiesta (1947), Neptune’s Daughter (1949) and Across the Wide Missouri (1951). He would later become famous for his roles in TV shows such as Fantasy Island and Star Trek.
Georgiana met Montalbán on a blind date, arranged by their mutual friend Ann Miller. Montalbán was smitten with Georgiana after seeing her performance in The Story of Alexander Graham Bell when he was 18. He proposed to her on their first date, and after a week of persuasion, she accepted. They married in 1944 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills, with Loretta as the matron of honor. They had four children together: Laura (born 1945), Mark (born 1947), Anita (born 1950) and Victor (born 1955).
Later Life and Death
Georgiana retired from acting after marrying Montalbán, devoting herself to being a wife and mother. She supported her husband’s career and accompanied him to various events and ceremonies. She also enjoyed painting and gardening. She was known for being a kind and generous person, who helped many charities and causes.
Georgiana died in 2007, aged 83, of undisclosed causes. Her death was announced by her nephew Peter Lewis, son of Loretta Young. She was survived by her husband, who died two years later in 2009, and their four children. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.
Conclusion
Georgiana Young was an actress who had a brief but memorable film career, appearing with her sisters in The Story of Alexander Graham Bell. She was also the wife of Ricardo Montalbán, one of the most popular actors of his time. She lived a happy and fulfilling life as a mother and a philanthropist. She died in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness.
