Molly
Picon (1898-1992) was an American actress of stage, screen
and television, as well as a lyricist. She was first and
foremost a star in the Yiddish and film, but as Yiddish
theatre faded she began to perform in English-language
productions.
Picon was born Małka (Margaret) Opiekun in New York City.
Her career began at the age of six in the Yiddish theatre.
In 1912, she debuted at the Arch Street Theatre in
New York and became a star of the Second Avenue Yiddish
stage.
Picon appeared in many
films, starting with silent movies. Her most famous film,
Yidl Mit'n Fidl (1936), was made on location in
Poland, and has her wearing male clothing through most of
the film. Read the Museum's review of the film by clicking
here.
At the conclusion of her
autobiography
Molly Picon states, "All I hope is that I have gladdened
your hearts....and brightened your lives as you have
mine."
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