Marsha Hunt: Hollywood Star, Activist & Muse

Marsha Hunt is a name associated with two remarkable women, each leaving a distinct mark on culture and entertainment. One was a classic Hollywood actress born in 1917 whose career spanned decades and who became a committed activist. The other is a singer, model, and novelist born in 1946, best known for her connection with Mick Jagger and her influential presence in the 1960s. This article explores both of their lives, their careers, struggles, and legacies.

Marsha Hunt (Actress, born 1917)

Early Life and Beginnings

Marsha Hunt, born Marcia Virginia Hunt on October 17, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, later moved to New York, where she attended high school. She began her career as a model in New York, which eventually led her to Hollywood.

Hollywood Career & Movies

Her film career began in 1935 with her debut in The Virginia Judge. Over nearly 80 years, she appeared in around 70 films. Some of her most notable films include:

• Born to the West (1937)

• Pride and Prejudice (1940)

• Kid Glove Killer (1942)

• Cry ’Havoc (1943)

• The Human Comedy (1943)

• Raw Deal (1948)

• Johnny Got His Gun (1971)

She was known for her versatility and determination not to be typecast, often taking on challenging and serious roles.

Blacklisting & Activism

A defining chapter of her life was being blacklisted during the McCarthy era. In 1947, she joined the Committee for the First Amendment to protest the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). In 1950, her name appeared in publications claiming to expose “subversives” in Hollywood, which severely impacted her career. Despite this, she continued working in theater and television and devoted much of her life to humanitarian causes, including world hunger relief, homelessness, refugee aid, and peace activism.

Personal Life & Family

Marsha Hunt married Jerry Hopper in 1938, but they divorced in 1943. In 1946, she married screenwriter Robert Presnell Jr., remaining together until his death in 1986. They had one biological daughter who was born prematurely and died shortly after birth. The couple later adopted children.

Later Life, Death & Legacy

Marsha Hunt continued to be active in social causes into her later years. She passed away on September 7, 2022, at the age of 104 from natural causes. Her life is remembered for both her cinematic contributions and her moral courage and activism.

Marsha Hunt (Singer / Model / Actress, born 1946)

Early Life & Move to the UK

The second Marsha Hunt was born April 15, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later moved to the UK in the 1960s to pursue opportunities in the cultural and music scene.

Career: Singing, Acting, Modeling

She worked as a backing singer in Alexis Korner’s trio and appeared in the iconic musical Hair in London. As a model, she broke barriers as one of the first Black women on the cover of Queen magazine. In 1969, she posed for photographer Patrick Lichfield, and decades later, recreated the pose after surviving breast cancer, symbolizing strength and survival.

Connection to Mick Jagger & “Brown Sugar”

Marsha Hunt had a romantic relationship with Mick Jagger in the late 1960s, and they had a daughter, Karis Jagger, born in 1970. There were legal arrangements regarding her paternity, but Hunt secured a trust fund for their daughter. She is often cited as a muse for Jagger’s famous Rolling Stones song “Brown Sugar.”

Writing & Personal Struggles

Marsha Hunt is also a novelist and autobiographer, having written three novels and three volumes of autobiography. She has shared openly about her personal struggles, including her battle with breast cancer.

Net Worth & Later Life

Her estimated net worth is around $1.63 million. She is recognized more for her cultural and artistic impact than for commercial wealth. As of now, she is alive and continues to be celebrated for her multifaceted career in music, modeling, writing, and activism.

Marsha Hunt — Age, Birthday, and Cause of Death (1917 Marsha)

• Birthday / Birthdate: October 17, 1917

• Age at Death: 104 years

• Date of Death: September 7, 2022

• Cause of Death: Natural causes

Legacy & Impact

On Film and Activism

Marsha Hunt (1917) is remembered for her integrity and courage. She risked her career to oppose McCarthy-era witch hunts and remained an advocate for humanitarian and social justice causes throughout her life.

On Culture and Music

Marsha Hunt (1946) influenced the cultural landscape through her modeling, music, and writing. She helped break racial barriers and inspired popular music, particularly through her connection with Mick Jagger and her role in the musical Hair.

Feminism and Representation

Both Marsha Hunts challenged societal norms. The actress refused to be confined to stereotypical roles and spoke out politically, while the singer-model asserted her presence as a Black woman in multiple industries, refusing to be defined by a single role.

Conclusion

Marsha Hunt represents two extraordinary lives that embody courage, creativity, and change. The 1917-born actress left a lasting legacy in Hollywood and activism, while the 1946-born singer-model shaped cultural history through her art, fashion, and influence in music. Both women remain symbols of resilience and pioneering spirit.

This exploration of Marsha Hunt’s life and legacy is brought to you by Megacine.