Una Merkel was an American actress who appeared in over 200 films and television shows during her career. She was born in Kentucky in 1903 and began her career on the stage before transitioning to film in the 1920s. She is best known for her roles in films such as The Women, The Bank Dick, and It's a Wonderful Life. Merkel was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Heiress. She died in 1986 at the age of 83.