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The Mysterious Disappearance Of Hollywood Starlet Jean Spangler
In 1949, an aspiring movie actress vanished and was never seen again
The lure of Hollywood has proven to be unbelievably strong over the years, attracting many with stars in their eyes hoping to become the next great actor or actress. This was especially true in the earlier years of the film industry, as booming cinemas around the country placed ideas of grandeur in the minds of audience members. Unfortunately, only a small number of those who attempted to make it to Tinsel Town reached their goal. One of those was Jean Spangler, a young starlet who was just starting her career when she mysteriously disappeared forever in a case that remains unsolved to this day 75 years later.
Spangler was born 1923, in Seattle, Washington. When she was still a teen, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the movies. After graduating from Franklin High School in Los Angeles in 1941, she began working as a dancer at local popular nightclubs like the Earl Carroll Theatre and Florentine Gardens.
In 1942, at age 19, Spangler married manufacturer Dexter Benner, but filed for divorce only six months later. Although she still harbored ambitions for a career in show business, the couple continued to be on and off, and had a daughter in 1944 before finally divorcing just two years later due to the ongoing tumultuous nature of their relationship.
Spangler’s acting career began in earnest in 1948 when she earned uncredited roles as an extra in a number of films. Some of her credits included When My Baby Smiles at Me, Chicken Every Sunday and Young Man with a Horn. Although her parts were small, she was buoyed by getting regular work and became more determined than ever to make it big in Hollywood. She redoubled her efforts to make connections, becoming known for socializing with as many insiders in the industry as she could. Sadly, her burgeoning career ended just as it was beginning when she vanished suddenly without a trace.
On October 7, 1949, 26-year-old Spangler left her home in the Park La Brea area of Los Angeles around 5:00 PM. She told her sister-in-law Sophie that she was on her way to meet her ex-husband to discuss child support, and then proceed to a movie set where she was part…
