A native Chicagoan, veteran character actress Arlene Golonka was born Arline Golonka. She seemed destined for acting from the start, having been named after silver screen actress 'Arline Judge' . Golonka has largely retired from television work but continues to take roles in feature films occasionally.
Appeared on the 1965 comedy album "You Dont Have To Be Jewish", which became a hit. Was unavailable to record its follow-up, "When Youre In Love The Whole World Is Jewish", but recommended her (non-Jewish) roommate - Valerie Harper , thus beginning Harpers career of playing Jewish characters, most notably Rhoda Morgenstern of "Mary Tyler Moore" and "Rhoda" .
The word "golonka" is Polish for "pigs foot" or "hamhock".
