Her name was Katie Marshall. It was only after she was discovered by a famous Hollywood director that she adopted her beloved grandfather's name, Gene - because he had always urged her to follow her dream to Hollywood stardom.
Deeply inspired by Hollywood's greatest movie stars, Katie refined her natural abilities with after-school lessons in acting, dance and music, and by performing in local community theatre. She quickly won the hearts and admiration of everyone who saw those early performances...for even then, Gene was surely destined for stardom.
Still pursuing her dream, she made her way to New York City, becoming an usherette at a fashionable movie theatre frequented by celebrities.
On a night that changed her life forever, Gene led a tall, distinguished man to his seat in the darkened theatre. Her flashlight fleetingly revealed her lovely face to him. Astonished at her beauty and poise, the noted movie director declared her his latest discovery, whisked her to Hollywood, and helped polish Gene's shining star.
The rest is history. Gene Marshall became one of the best-known and best-loved stars the world over, cherished, admired and adored.
