Nina Varela

Born near St. Louis in 1902, and trained in Europe in opera as a mezzo-soprano, square-faced, lantern-jawed, full-figured Nina Varela came to the United States in the late 1930s and ended up in Hollywood. During the 40s, 50's, and 60's, she worked frequently at the Shubert Theater, accompanying plays that went on the road, including runs on Broadway. Most notable of those was the musical"The Student Prince," in which she played The Grand Duchess of Anastasia.