Mala Powers

She was a visiting professor at a number of universities.

Studying with Michael Chekhov in her early years, she later was one of the founders of the National Michael Chekhov Association and is considered a leading authority on his acting techniques. She is the author of the book "Michael Chekhov on Theatre and the Art of Acting: The Five-Hour Master Class". In addition, she is the executrix of his estate.

While on a Christmas entertainment tour in Korea in 1951 she became ill and subsequently developed an allergy to the medication prescribed, which caused a blood disorder.

She has one child, Toren

She was born Mary Ellen Powers on December 20, 1931, in San Francisco to journalist parents who moved to Hollywood after losing their jobs. She began training as an actress early on and at age 11 played in "Tough as They Come.".

Attending UCLA to study acting, she later taught acting using the Michael Chekhov method. Her last performance on stage occurred in 2003 at the Laguna Playhouse in a production of "Mr. Shaw Goes to Hollywood".

Best remembered film role was playing the lovely Roxanne opposite Oscar winner Jos Ferrer in Cyrano de Bergerac . Also known for playing a rape victim in the landmark Ida Lupino film Outrage . A sensitive subject, rape had not yet been given such a frank treatment in films, due to censorship.

Howard Hughes took a strong interest in Powers and put her under contract at RKO in the early 1950s. When her film career declined, she continued on radio, stage and TV.

Became very close friends with Ida Lupino , who directed Mala in her first big film, Outrage . When Lupino died in 1995, Mala was the executrix of her estate.

Is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Special guest at 2004 Palm Springs Film Noir ceremony.