Emma Allene Roberts (September 1, 1928 – May 9, 2019) was an American actress.

Early years

Roberts was born in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of Frank W. Roberts and Velma Swain Roberts. She had three older brothers. Her father died when she was 9 years old. Her activities included playing piano, singing, and tap dancing. She graduated from Hollywood High School.

In 1941, she won the "America's Most Charming Child" contest sponsored by the New York Daily Mirror, receiving $1,000 in cash and a $1,000 contract with Warner Bros. studio. The contest initially had more than 60,000 entrants; she won after that group had been reduced to 50 semi-finalists and 12 finalists.

Career

Roberts appeared in twelve movies from 1947 to 1954, and on TV in Four Star Playhouse, Adventures of Superman and Dragnet. Her first big picture was The Red House (1947) starring Rory Calhoun, Julie London and Edward G. Robinson. That movie was considered by the critics to be the "sleeper hit" of the year.

Roberts' other films included Knock on Any Door (1949), Union Station (1950), and Bomba on Panther Island (1949).

Death

On May 9, 2019, Roberts died in Huntsville, Alabama, at age 90.

Filmography

References

External links

• Allene Roberts at the American Film Institute

• Allene Roberts: True to her roots