Born in St Louis, Missouri, Elaine began a modelling career at the tender age of 14. Moving to New York when she turned 18 in 1946, she quickly established herself as a fashion model and actress. It wasn’t long before the striking blonde was spotted by MGM and offered a Hollywood movie contract.

Under her screen name of Sara Shane, Elaine was under contract to Universal Studios during the 50s and apppeared in classic television series such as Perry Mason and The Outer Limits, as well as numerous commercials into the 1970s.

Elaine was at home in movie roles as diverse as a glamorous femme fatale, the “girl next door” and intrepid adventure heroine.
She was frequently paired with some of Hollywood’s most legendary leading men, including Clark Gable, James Mason, Rock Hudson, Gordon Scott and Raymond Burr.

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Universal Talent School

Looking like a scene from a play, we’re really all just relaxing.

Left to right: Lori Nelson, Myma Hansen, Mara Corday, Rock Hudson, Mamie Van Doren and Sara Shane.

Mara Corday, Ruth Hampton and Mamie Van Doren were my closest pals at Universal.