HOW NANCY CARROLL CAME TO ADOPT NAME.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 145, 20 June 1931, Page 25 (Supplement)

HOW NANCY CARROLL CAME TO ADOPT NAME.

STAGE FRIGHT CAUSED ACTRESS TO BLUNDER

Many of the screen stars of to-day have at some time or other adopted

a stage name notable, at least in their eyes, as a euphonious combination, but it is doubtful if ever any of them adopted a new name in such circumstances as prevailed when Nancy Carroll adopted hers.

Up to the present picture patrons have been supplied with columns of information as to mode of living, the character and accomplishments of this delightful little star, but all seem to have overlooked the fact that there might be a story

behind the adoption by the star of the name “Carroll.” It appears

that the change came about as a result of a rather severe attack of stage fright. The La Hiff sisters, Nancy and Terry, were born in New York, and not so long ago they were building up, between sessions of school, a reputation in their district as entertainers with a sister-act of their own devising. They often appeared at one or other of the various social clubs in their locality and during their rounds they came in contaact with a very confident red-haired youth named Buddy Carroll. One day Buddy told the girls about an amateur night that was being held at a place called Keith’s Club, which was in rather a big way of business and was something of a recruiting ground for the “scouts” of the big vaudeville agencies. He advised them to seek an interview with the “impressario” who was conducting the show.

A few days later the Misses La Hiff appeared nervously before him. With appalling abruptness they found themselves on the stage, going through their routine under the baleful gaze of other applicants and the depressingly cool and calculating eye of the producer. At the end, trembling with fright, they awaited the decision that they thought would make or break them. Suddenly, from the corner of the producer’s mouth came the question, “Wotcher name?” The unnerved sisters looked wildly around, and there in the flies they saw the urbane Buddy. “C-c-carroll,” stuttered Terry, and so the sisters were committed to their new name.

Completely subdued by the look in the producer’s eye, but determined to carry the deception through to the end, the two sisters insisted that they were Buddy’s sisters and finally managed to make their escape. The name Carroll clung to them through the amateur jiight. at which they made a hit, and through a scries of engagements in Schubert musical shows. It still clings to them though Nancy has become a star in Hollywood and Terrv is one of the successes of “The Wiser They Are,” which is now playing to capacity houses in New York.