Good Sunday everyone..we're getting closer to making the appropriate contact..no big news yet- but I am extremely hopeful.. As for this petition, we're at 3020 signatures.. still trying to get the signature up to 5000. Thank you for sharing this petition and thank you for "feeding the meters".. Please continue to throw a few dollars at the petition to keep it going.. I'll be donating in a second.
Meanwhile.. here's a print out of Marsha's Resume of Social Activism. Don't you think it's a crime that The Academy never gave Marsha the Jean Hersholt Award ( and she worked with him on United Nations Radio broadcasts in the early 1950's!).
Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your ongoing support.. I saw Marsha yesterday..I told her to hang in there because I'm sure something BIG was going to happen soon..She pressed me on it- and I told her that I couldn't say- but that I had a good feeling about it.. She's doing so well..still talking about acting and we discuss activism... she loves looking back- and she loves that so many people have seen the documentary..I read her all your notes... thanks again- and here's resume print-out - Roger
Marsha Hunt – Record of Social Activism/Life Achievements/Awards 1935-2021
Decade: 1930’s
In 1935, Marsha Hunt, a 17-year-old John Roberts Power model is “discovered” while visiting relatives in Los Angeles. Four studios bid for her attention. She signed with Paramount Studios on May 24, 1935. In 4 years at Paramount, she was a “leading lady” in 12 films.
Decade: 1940’s
1939 -1946 Featured Player – Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Studio. Acted in 8 high profile World War II films.
1941-1945 (World War II)
Hollywood Canteen Hostess and Captain of team of 10 volunteer hostesses throughout the course of the war, every Saturday night she was in town (Dancing, autographing, serving snacks, 7:00 – Midnight.) Autographed many thousands of photographs, each personally signed and made out to each requesting serviceman by name.
Hollywood Victory Committee Member of group from Hollywood that that went on war bond selling tours all across the country. Visited veteran hospitals in the southern and southwestern part of the country. Produced radio transcriptions to overseas troops and ships. Delivered morale boosting messages as well as dramatic readings and poetry.
USO-Victory Committee Artic Camp Tour (1943) Six-week USO tour of Alaska & Canada military bases, air fields, weather stations & veteran hospitals, entertaining as a singer in a troupe of 6 that included Kay Francis and Reginald Gardner.
W.A.D.C.A (Women’s Ambulance Defense Corps of America) Reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. Taught first-Aid & civilian evacuation training in the San Fernando Valley. Did photo layouts showing Civilian Precautions & Preparedness for blackouts, etc.
O.W.I (Office of War Information) Recorded hour-long dramas in French with all French actors.
Screen Actors Guild Board (1945-1947) National Board Member. On board during two-year industry labor strike. Worked on committee that worked diligently to get minority actors more jobs in films. Has been a member of the Guild since 1938.
Hollywood Fights Back (1947) Two radio broadcasts co-written by Marsha’s husband Robert Presnell Jr., Norman Corwin and Millard Lampell. Assisted in the production of these historic broadcasts by top Hollywood celebrities in support of the Hollywood 19.
Committee for the First Amendment (1947) One of 26 concerned citizens from the Hollywood Film Industry that went to Washington, D.C. to protest against high-handed methods and distortions of HUAC; the Congressional committee investigating Communist influence in motion pictures.
Marsha Hunt – Record of Social Activism/Life Achievements/Awards 1935-2021
Decade: 1940’s (continued)
War Bond Sales Drive for Israel (1947) Sold war bonds for the brand new nation of Israel. Also collected baby layettes to send to new mothers in Israel.
Joy To The World (1948) Marsha acts in her first play ever which happened to be on Broadway. She starred opposite Alfred Drake.
LIFE Magazine (February 6, 1950) Marsha is featured on the cover of Life Magazine. LIFE did a “day in the life” piece on Marsha as she returned to Broadway in “The Devil’s Disciple”; the second of 6 Broadway shows that she appeared in.
“Twelfth Night” (1949) Praised by the New York Times for her performance of “Viola” in the first ever live coast to coast television production of a Shakespeare play.
The Edgar Bergen-Charlie McCarthy Show (1948) Featured as Mrs. Bickerson opposite Dom Ameche on this popular radio show.
Decade: 1950’s
Red Channels (1950) Marsha’s name appears in this right wing pamphlet that named purported Communists in the television and radio industry. From 1935-1952, Marsha acted in 54 films. After her name appeared in this publication, she only made 10 films over the next 56 years.
Bellringers Mental Health Campaign (1950 – 1960) Chairman for San Fernando Valley Chapter. Aided in fundraising to raise money for awareness of mental health issues.
Korean War Effort (1953-1954) Collected blankets in her Sherman Oaks neighborhoods for freezing post-war South Korea.
Community Relations Conference of Southern California (CRCSC) (1954-1969) Board member for many years for this organization which is a coalition of all racial, ethnic, religious, international, labor, police, education, local government, housing, political, and service groups. Group strived to find common ground, solutions to tension and problems, combat bigotry, and promote community harmony throughout Southern California.
United Cerebral Palsy Association Mistress of Ceremonies/Co-Host for 8 Cerebral Palsy telethons in as many cities, start to finish. (1953 telethon in Oakland California ran 36 hours). Named Honorary Chairman of Cerebral Palsy Association of Southern California Women’s Division.
Valley Youth Foundation Teen Center Helped to plan and raise funds for this new center. Made radio and television appeals for funds to build it. Once open, conducted Teen Drama Workshops there weekly for a year. The program is STILL going strong and is in a brand new building. Organization recently honored Marsha for her work as a founding member.
American Association for the United Nations (later re-titled UNA-USA – United Nations Association of USA) (1956 – 1983) President of San Fernando Valley chapter during which it won 7 awards for greatest member growth of all chapters in the United States.
Wrote and directed several U.N. Day Festivals (October 24th) held at Universal Studios, Reseda High School and Valley College.
Marsha Hunt – Record of Social Activism/Life Achievements/Awards 1935-2021
Decade: 1950’s (continued)
American Association for the United Nations (later re-titled UNA-USA – United Nations Association of USA) (1956 – 1983) President of San Fernando Valley chapter during which it won 7 awards for greatest member growth of all chapters in the United States. (continued)
Addressed groups all over Southern California on Specialized Agencies of the United Nations.
Served on Board of Southern California United Nations Association and as its Vice President.
Started/Designed “Global Gifts” – a shop of imports from all over the world to support the first United Nations Association office on Ventura Blvd. in Encino. Shop was so successful that Global Gift Shops were established by UNA chapters across the country.
Director on National Board of United Nations Association. Frequent delegate to National UNA convention at the UN Headquarters in NYC.
Co-founded Pacific chapter of UNA, (still an active group) combining Westside, Beverly Hills and Westwood chapters.
Decade: 1960’s
City of Burbank Human Relations Council Joined as a member in the mid-1960’s.
San Fernando Valley Fair Housing Council Joined as a member in the 1960’s. Spoke to many groups on fair (integrated) housing. Authored and publicized the “Good Neighbor Card”. Card was requested and displayed by over 100,000 Southern California Households, according to the printer that provided them without charge.
“A Call From The Stars” (1960) Produced and co-wrote this 60-minute documentary film featuring 14 Hollywood stars (including such stars as Bing Crosby, Paul Newman, and David Niven) and film clips, to promote 1960 — “World Refugee Year”. Documentary was shown on network television across the U.S. (airdate: February 10, 1960).
U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR) Served over 20 years as a National Board Member.
American Freedom from Hunger Foundation (1961- mid 1980’s) (created by President John F. Kennedy and administered by Senator George McGovern) Trustee — Helped AFFH organize and promote the first “walk-a-thons” in the United States (first one was 33 miles long held in Fargo, North Dakota). Funds raised used to fund and activate development projects in countries where people are hungry and malnourished.
Freedom from Hunger Committee of Southern California (mid 1960’s to mid 1970’s) Built membership, gave dozens of talks, raised funds for third world development projects of the United Nation’s F.A.O (Food & Agriculture Organization).
Los Angeles Unified School District Served as a judge for several years for LAUSD area high school essay contest. Essay topic: The Bill of Rights.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Member in good standing since June, 1959. Member of Nominating Committee for Best Foreign Language Film. In early 1970’s, switched over to Documentary Film Nominating Committee (feature length and shorts). Served on this committee for more than 20 years. Nominated four times to serve on Board of Governors.
Marsha Hunt – Record of Social Activism/Life Achievements/Awards 1935-2021
Decade: 1970’s
“Thankful Giving” (1970-1978) Authored and developed concept for this program
designated to be practiced on Thanksgiving. Program was created to help raise funds and awareness for hunger in the United States and around the world.
Marsha wrote the Congressional resolution for “Thankful Giving”. It took her 7 years of lobbying to get her program before both Houses of Congress.
The bill was initially introduced by Senator Hubert Humphrey. Upon his death, Senator Paul Simon of Illinois championed her cause.
“Thankful Giving” became the centerpiece of President Jimmy Carter’s 1978 “Thanksgiving Proclamation” to the nation, endorsing the practice.
Composed the “Thankful Giving” hymn, (words and music).
UINICEF Composed “Cry Of A Refugee Child” (words and music) for U.N.’s International Year of the Child. Gave all proceeds to UNICEF. Song played on radio and at the United Nations. Song was translated in many different languages and has been sung by children all over the world.
Meals For Millions Foundation (Merged with Freedom From Hunger Foundation in 1979) Director and member of the Board of Trustees. (1979-1986)
Planned Parenthood/World Population of Los Angeles Member of Board of Directors for over a dozen years. (1970’s to mid-1980’s)
Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations (1971) Honorary Chairman of Fair Housing Week and downtown block party. Helped to plan and decorate for party.
Decade: 1980’s - present
Sherman Oaks Galleria Opening Ceremony (1980) Named Honorary Chairman of the triple charity Benefit Opening Night dinner-dance launching this brand new shopping mall.
United Disaster Advisory Council of Los Angeles Member, 1980-1981.
San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center Board member, 1984-1987, Advisory board member – 1987-1995.
Hollywood Committee for a SANE Nuclear Policy Member, 1984-1986.
Honorary Mayor of Sherman Oaks Named “Honorary Mayor” by the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce. Served in that capacity for 18 years (1983-2001).
Valley Interfaith Council (1983- 2001) Organization made of clergy and lay persons dedicated to attending to the needs of the homeless and those struggling financially in the San Fernando Valley. Board Member (1984- 1987). Member of Advisory Board (1987-2001).
Marsha Hunt – Record of Social Activism/Life Achievements/Awards 1935-2021
Decade: 1980’s - Present (continued)
Los Angeles Countywide Coalition on the Homeless Member (1984-1989) Gave talks on the Valley Homeless to church and temple groups, senior citizens, Chamber of Commerce groups, etc. Appeared before state, county and city legislators and planning commissions, describing the Valley homeless and making specific proposals of needed services.
Los Angeles City’s Homeless Ombudsman Program (September, 1988) Spent a month with this Ombudsman Program with the Salvation Army in Van Nuys. The organization processed 711 homeless people, directing them to assistance programs. Honored along with others by the Los Angeles City Council for this work.
San Fernando Valley Friends of Homeless Women and Children
Board Member, 1983-1984.
San Fernando Valley Coalition on the Homeless Member (1988– 2001)
Valley Mayor’s Fund For The Homeless (1983- 2001) Founder of organization President (1983-1989) Board Member (1983- 2001)
Purpose of organization: Formed to fill a vacuum, the organization set out to become the San Fernando Valley’s comprehensive instrument of concern for its homeless. Goal is to build Valley people’s awareness and understanding of the homeless in the area, to encourage the formation of local shelters and services for them and to raise funds to assist their establishment and ongoing maintenance. Organization was completely run by volunteers.
Worked with other local homeless agencies in the Los Angeles area. Took part in homeless conferences, trained local volunteers and ran information booths at local fairs. Addressed Valley civic groups and testified before city, county and state legislators, making specific proposals for needed homeless services in the Valley.
Valley Mayor’s Fund played an active role in the opening of three of the first homeless shelters in the Valley in 1986. Raised funds to buy buildings for shelters.
As Mayor, Marsha was directly responsible for opening the Valley’s first shelter for battered women and children. The “Valley Women’s Care Cottage” opened in 1989. Marsha designed and oversaw the interior design of the facility. Other programs run by the Valley Mayors Fund included:
Bought a transport van to help shuttle the homeless to safe haven,
Admitted homeless families to shelters when government funding ran out,
Set up a homeless referral service in the Valley,
Provided emergency food, towels and blankets at two shelters,
Helped to produce a Homelessness Conference at Cal State Northridge,
Helped to fund a rental assistance program preventing evictions in Burbank,
Created program called “Blanket Our Homeless with Valley Warmth” (1985-2001). Sought donated blankets and bought new mylar blankets, distributing thousands to the Valley homeless during the Christmas season.
Raised funds and awareness for local homeless by sponsoring yearly walk-a-thons, benefit concerts, etc. (Fundraisers raised nearly $250,000 over a 20-year period).
Marsha Hunt – Record of Social Activism/Life Achievements/Awards 1935-2021
Decade: 1980’s - Present (continued)
“The Way We Wore: Fashions of the 1930’s and 40’s Author. Marsha compiled photos from her acting and modeling days and wrote autobiographical commentary in B&W coffee table book. Book in third printing. (1993)
“Tony London: Songs From The Heart” (featuring Tony London and the Page Cavanaugh Trio (2006) Record Producer. Marsha “discovered” Tony London and produced an album of standards from the American Songbook. She also wrote two of the songs on the CD.
Hollywood Fights Back Again (2007) Keynote guest in which Marsha, along with other members of the film industry recreated readings from the 1947 radio broadcast, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Committee for the First Amendment’s trip to Washington to support the Hollywood 19. Panel discussion with family members of those blacklisted followed readings. Sponsored by the ACLU of Southern California and PEN West.
Surviving the Blacklist: 60 years later (2007) Marsha Hunt and screenwriter Walter Bernstein were keynote speakers invited to speak at the Washington’s National Press Club on their personal experiences with the blacklist and how they survived. Event sponsored by Writers Guild West.
Turner Classic Movies Film Tribute (2007) In honor of Marsha’s contribution to the film industry, Turner Classic Movies played 8 of her favorite films on her 90th birthday, (October 17, 2007).
“The Grand Inquisitor” (2008) Marsha’s first major film role since 1971. She and this film have been honored by many film festivals across the country including the Santa Fe Film Festival and the St. Louis Film Festival. She has been honored for her contribution to “film noir” at festivals in San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Harbor International Film Festival (2010) 50th anniversary screening of her 1960 documentary “A Call From the Stars”. Marsha was honored on the anniversary of her 75th year in the entertainment industry. She signed with Paramount Studios on May 24, 1935.
“Here’s To Those Who Love” (2013) Marsha writes words and music to song that has become an “anthem” for marriage equality. It is also a song about “loving love”, “hating hate” and accepting people for whatever their lifestyle is.
Turner Classic Movies Film Tribute (2020) In honor of Marsha’s contribution to the film industry, Turner Classic Movies hosted a “Marsha Hunt Marathon”, playing 7 of her favorite films followed by the television broadcast premiere of the feature documentary about her life, “Marsha Hunt’s Sweet Adversity”. (December 11, 2020). This documentary is Marsha's most recent act of activism. Through this film, Marsha Hunt’s words and deeds serve as an inspirational primer and call to action for activists of all ages around the world.
Marsha Hunt – Record of Social Activism/Life Achievements/Awards 1935-2021
Decade: 1980’s - Present (continued)
AWARDS (1952 -2021)
Marsha has won many awards over the years. Listed below are the most prestigious honors bestowed on her for her pioneering activism.
1952 — Motion Picture Producers Association — Silver engraved cigarette box – for touring the Midwest on behalf of the movie industry to combat inroads of television on box offices.
June 30,1953 – City of Oakland California – Plaque/City Council Resolution #3105 – “For Co-MC-ing Cerebral Palsy Telethon for a record 36 hours (June 26,27, 28,1953)”.
March 8, 1960 — Hadassah of Los Angeles – Plaque – “For efforts on behalf of the homeless of the world”.
1961 – United Nations Association of the USA San Fernando Valley – While President, cited for greatest chapter member growth (seven-fold) in the nation. 1977 – UNA – National Office plaque — “for distinguished, devoted leadership”.
January 25, 1964 – State of Israel Bonds, B’nai Birth of Los Angeles – Humanitarian Award — Plaque — “For advancing the cause of human survival”.
1969 – United World Federalists – Peace Award Trophy.
October 9, 1974 — City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Certificate of Appreciation – For “helping to make the city a better place”.
May 8, 1984 — County of Los Angeles, Board of Supervisors, certificate commending lifetime work, especially for creating the Valley Mayor’s Fund for the Homeless.
July 19, 1985 — San Fernando Valley United Chambers of Commerce, honored with a luncheon as Sherman Oaks Honorary Mayor and President/Founder of the Valley Mayor’s Fund for the Homeless – plaque – reads “for sharing a life and heart with all mankind”.
May 15, 1986 — City of Los Angeles, Mayor Tom Bradley and 6 City Council Members presented a plaque honoring Marsha for “life work” in all fields.
1935-2021
Decade: 1980’s - Present (continued)
AWARDS (1952 -2021) (continued)
2001 Recipient of the Steve Allen Spirit of the Valley Award — Valley Interfaith Council – Plaque — “In recognition for humanitarian work with the downtrodden and homeless in the San Fernando Valley”.
2007 Ambassador of Peace Award — International Women’s Federation for Peace. “In recognition of Humanitarian work with the oppressed and hungry refugees all over the world”. 2010 Loreen Arbus Award For Those Who Take Action and Affect Change — New York Women in Film and Television.
2013 American Legion, Hollywood Award — honoring Marsha for her service to the Hollywood Canteen (1942-1945).
2015 Marsha received the first annual “Marsha Hunt For Humanity Award” — an annual award that will be given annually to celebrity activists.
2021 Marsha received the Mensch Award from the Mensch International Foundation — for “Seven Decades of Activism”. Presidents of three countries — the United States, Israel and Hungary, and Zubin Mehta are among the previous recipients of the Mensch Award.
Most recent update: January 2021
May 15, 1986 — Jewish National Fund, San Fernando Valley Chapter – given a luncheon, for general humanitarian work and specifically for the homeless. Also given the start of a “Marsha Hunt Grove of Trees” in Israel.
Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce — Certificate of Appreciation for “dedication & commitment to Sherman Oaks as Honorary Mayor” (1983-2001).
1998 Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award UNA-USA — statue of Eleanor Roosevelt. Highest award given from the organization. — Given to Marsha for her 25-plus years of humanitarian efforts as exemplified by UNA’s founder, Eleanor Roosevelt.
Marsha Hunt – Record of Social Activism/Life Achievements/Awards