- Patricia Medina, Lady in the Iron Mask, 1951. Despite the credits, The Lady had nothing to do with Alexandre Dumas. Nor with Payton, when her doctor said she was “too emotionally upset” to work. Or simply, in hiding after a severe punch-up between her actor lovers. Ex-boxer Tom Neal beat Franchot Tone unconsciousness – breaking his nose and cheekbone. She wed Tone in September 1951, and left him for Neal after 53 days. Neal was deep-sixed by Hollywood. In 1965, he was charged with murdering his third wife, Gale, and served six years for involuntary manslaughter. Payton fell as low Bride of the Gorilla, 1950, and street prostitution. She died from heart and liver failure at age 39.
Birth year: 1927Death year: 1967Other name: Casting Calls: 1