Barbara Weeks (radio actress)


Barbara Weeks was an American actress and voice talent in the Golden Age of Radio. She was best known for her work in soap operas.

Early years

Weeks was one of three daughters of Edwin Rogers Weeks and Grace Margaret Jillson Weeks of Binghamton, New York. Her parents were singers before her father started a music store. "One of her ancestors, Mrs. Robert R. Jillson," was also an actress. Weeks attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Radio

A caption in a 1937 newspaper reported that Weeks' "radio career started in Mickey at the Circus and Roadways to Romance." However, another source reported, "She made her radio debut as a vocalist on a Portland, Maine, station." In June 1938, she had the lead role in an NBC broadcast of Anna Christie.
Her only lead role in a continuing radio program occurred when she played the title character in Her Honor, Nancy James, which began on CBS October 3, 1938, and continued through July 28, 1939.
Weeks' roles as a regular cast member in radio programs included those listed in the table below.
ProgramRole
As the Twig Is Bent
Madame Sophie
Her Honor, Nancy JamesNancy James
Howie WingDonna Cavendish
Linda's First LoveNA
Meet the DixonsJoan Dixon
Now and Forever -- A Love StoryEllen Harris
The Open DoorLiza Arnold
Young Doctor MaloneAnn Malone

Source: Radio Programs, 1924-1984, except as noted.
Weeks also appeared in episodes of other programs, including Alias Jimmy Valentine, Philip Morris Playhouse, Mr. District Attorney, Theatre Guild of the Air, Mr. and Mrs. North, The Good Will Hour, Aunt Jenny's Real Life Stories, and Colgate Theatre of Romance''.

Stage

Before venturing into radio, Weeks "was winning praise with stock companies." After attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she "put in several years of stage trouping." She appeared in at least five Broadway productions between 1927 and 1936, including a revival of Lombardi Limited.

Name confusion

Weeks was often confused for fellow actress Barbara Weeks, who mainly worked in film. At one time, both lived in New York, which meant that "Barbara-in-radio frequently gets mail and telephone calls intended for Barbara-in-the-movies." The confusion even extended to some of the movie actress's relatives attending a performance of a touring stock company in which the radio actress appeared, expecting to see their cousin perform.

Personal life

On November 26, 1938, Weeks married actor Carl Frank, who played her husband in Young Doctor Malone. They also played husband and wife roles in Now and Forever -- A Love Story. They had a daughter, Roberta, born September 24, 1940.