In Remembrance: Phyllis (Fraser) Cerf Wagner

     Phyllis Cerf Wagner, the actress who under maiden name Fraser appeared in several films before giving up acting to become one of Manhattan’s leading socialites, has passed away on November 24, 2006 in New York, NY. She was 90.

     Born Helen Nichols on June 22, 1916 in St. Louis, MO, she grew up in Oklahoma City. As a teenager, she was encouraged by her cousin, actress/dancer Ginger Rogers to come to Hollywood to try acting. With Rogers’ help she landed small roles in such films as Little Men (1934), Father Knows Best (1935) and Every Saturday Night (1936). Her biggest role was opposite John Wayne in the 1936 western Winds Of The Wasteland.

     By the end of the 30s, Cerf Wagner found herself unable to secure anything larger than bit parts, so she quit Hollywood to joining a New York advertising firm. It was here that she made illustrator Theodore Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. Following his success with The Cat In The Hat, the two collaborated on a series of books designed to help children learn to read. She was also married for 30 years to Random House co-founder Bennett Cerf, and following his death married former New York City Mayor Robert F. Wagner.