Loretta Young - Early Life

Early Life

She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, as Gretchen Young. At confirmation, she took the name Michaela. She and her family moved to Hollywood when she was three years old. She and her sisters Polly Ann and Elizabeth Jane (screen name Sally Blane) worked as child actresses, but of the three, Loretta was the most successful.

Young's first role was at the age of three, in the silent film The Primrose Ring. During her high school years, Young was educated at Ramona Convent Secondary School. She was signed to a contract by John McCormick (1893-1961), husband and manager of actress Colleen Moore, who saw the young girl's potential. The name "Loretta" was given to her by Colleen, who would later explain that it was the name of her favorite doll.

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