Betty Furness Biography

Fast Facts

• Her consumer affairs show "Buyline: Betty Furness" won a Peabody Award
• Died of stomach cancer and her ashes were interred in Ferncliff Cemetery
• As a teenager, she worked for the Powers agency as a model
• Known as the television spokesperson for Westinghouse Electric Corporation
• Became an expert in consumer affairs after President Lyndon B․ Johnson offered her the position of Special Assistant for Consumer Affairs and advocated consumer rights in a number of positions after his administration ended
• Her best known film roles were in "Magnificent Obsession" and "Swing Time․"
• Her Broadway credits include playing Amy in "Mr․ Big" and Lady Palfrey-Stuart in "My Fair Ladies․"
• Filmed a role for a 1932 film called "Thirteen Women," but her scenes didn't make it to the final cut
• Served as the Maid of Honor when Betty Grable married Harry James
• Had the personal philosophy that she would never decline a job