Nina Foch: Biography

Blonde, ice cool, and sophisticated actress Nina Foch has worked steadily in feature films and television since making her film debut in Return of the Vampire (1943). As a contracted starlet for Columbia Pictures, Foch spent several years appearing in many B-films before she was able to prove herself ready for bigger fare.

Born to Dutch conductor/composer Dirk Fock and an American chorine/WWI-era pin-up girl, Foch was born in Holland but raised in Manhattan. Before enrolling in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts to study acting, she had briefly been a concert pianist and an amateur painter. As an actress, Foch gained experience with local theater and touring companies until signing with Columbia in 1943. In 1947, Foch made the first of many forays on Broadway. By the early '50s, she was being cast in secondary but better roles in such films as An American in Paris (1951) and Scaramouche (1952). In 1954, Foch appeared in Executive Suite for which she received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. But for a few television appearances and some stage work, Foch took a respite from acting in 1960 that lasted over ten years. She made a comeback in Such Good Friends (1971) and since then has only appeared sporadically in films as a character actress. Foch, however, has continued to work steadily in television and has become one of the most respected drama coaches in Hollywood. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide