Phyllis Fraser was born on April 13, 1916 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA as Helen Brown Nichols. She was an actress, known for Winds of the Wasteland (1936), Father Knows Best (1935) and Tough to Handle (1937). She was married to Robert F. Wagner and Bennett Cerf. She died on November 24, 2006 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.
April 13, 1916, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Died
November 25, 2006, Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States
Place Of Birth
Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Height
5' 3" (1.6 m)
Profession
Actress
Spouse
Robert F. Wagner, Jr. (m. 1975–1991), Bennett Cerf (m. 1940–1971)
Children
Christopher Cerf, Jonathan Cerf
Parents
Verda Virginia Owens
Star Sign
Aries
#
Fact
1
Billed as Phyllis Fraser throughout her entire movie career.
2
It was her cousin Ginger Rogers who urged her to try to make it in the movies. She won small parts in films at first, then co-starred opposite John Wayne in Winds of the Wasteland (1936).
3
Collaborated with Dr. Seuss [aka Theodor Seuss Geisel] on a series of children's learn-to-read books, including 'The Cat in the Hat Comes Back" and "Green Eggs and Ham".
4
Later wrote for Newsday and Good Housekeeping and photographed authors for Random House book jackets.
5
Had two sons, Christopher Cerf, editor-in-chief of the Children's Television Workshop's Products Group, and Jonathan Cerf, an educator and computer consultant. The two boys were once crowned "World Doubles Table Hockey Champions" in 1972.
6
Following husband Bennett Cerf's death, she married Robert F. Wagner, the former mayor of New York City; they were together for 15 years until his death in 1991.
7
Cousin of actress, singer, and dancer Ginger Rogers.
8
Was married to Random House publishing magnate Bennett Cerf.