Una Merkel was an American actress who appeared in over 200 films and television shows during her career. She was known for her roles in the 1930s and 1940s, often playing a comedic role as a wise-cracking sidekick. Merkel was also a successful Broadway actress, appearing in several plays throughout her career. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1942 for her role in The Male Animal. Merkel was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.