Lois January - Actor Profile

Lois January

Acting
Updated: May 10, 2026
33Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 5, 1912
Birth Place: McAllen, Texas, USA

About Lois January

Lois January was an American actress who performed small roles in several B-movies during the 1930s. Lois also had a secondary part in the Wizard Of Oz, towards the end of the movie, holding a Siamese cat in her arms. Toto jumps out of the basket of the hot air balloon that was supposed to take him, Dorothy and the Wizard away from the Land of Oz. January's first credited role was in 1933, in the film UM-PA. Her most famous role, however, is probably as the Emerald City manicurist in The Wizard of Oz who sings to Dorothy that "we can make a dimpled smile out of a frown". Although the character was unnamed, many fans believe it to be an incarnation of novel character Jellia Jamb. During the 1930s she played in numerous westerns as the heroine, usually opposite Johnny Mack Brown, Bob Steele, Tim McCoy and Bob Baker, among others. In 1935 she starred opposite Reb Russell in Arizona Badman, and in 1936 she starred with Brown in Rogue of the Range, and alongside Tim McCoy in Border Caballero. While under contract with Universal Pictures she continued to play heroine roles in westerns, and in 1937 she starred opposite Bob Baker in Courage of the West. The reissuing of the 1935 exploitation film The Pace That Kills (under the title Cocaine Fiends) would eventually lend January even more exposure, however limited. January's Broadway credits include High Kickers (1941) and Yokel Boy (1939). By the mid-1940s, her starring roles had waned but she continued to act in non-starring parts. In 1942 she was the "poster girl" for Chesterfield cigarettes. From 1960 through 1987 she played numerous small roles on television, to include roles on My Three Sons and Marcus Welby, M.D. Her last acting role was in 1987, on the television movie Double Agent. During the 1980s she attended several western film festivals.

Lois January Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Lois January reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 33 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Lois January's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 61% of Lois January's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Roaming Cowboy, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Lois January Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Lois January's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Lois January has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1987 Double Agent Dowager Average Similar →
1977 The Richard Pryor Special? Older Woman Hit Similar →
1973 My Darling Daughters' Anniversary Nurse Super Hit Similar →
1961 The Little Shepherd Of Kingdom Come Mrs. Dean Flop Similar →
1943 Three Cheers for the Girls Brunette in Dressing Room (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1937 Courage of the West Beth Andrews Super Hit Similar →
1937 The Red Rope Betty Duncan Hit Similar →
1937 Moonlight on the Range Wanda Brooks Super Hit Similar →
1937 The Trusted Outlaw Molly Clark Super Hit Similar →
1937 Bar-Z Bad Men Beth Harvey Flop Similar →
1937 Lightnin' Crandall Sheila Shannon Flop Similar →
1937 The Roaming Cowboy Jeannie Morgan Super Hit Similar →
1936 One Rainy Afternoon Mr. Perelin's Secretary Flop Similar →
1936 Rogue of the Range Stella Lamb Flop Similar →
1936 Lightnin' Bill Carson Dolores Costello Hit Similar →
1936 Border Caballero Goldie Harris Average Similar →
1935 Skull and Crown Barbara Franklin Average Similar →
1935 The Pace That Kills Jane Bradford Flop Similar →
1935 Society Fever Julie Prouty Hit Similar →
1935 Stolen Harmony Girl in Sextette (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1935 Arizona Bad Man Lucy Dunston Hit Similar →
1935 Life Returns Nurse Flop Similar →
1934 The Human Side High School Girl (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1934 Tripping Through the Tropics Sally Super Hit Similar →
1934 Let's Talk It Over Alice Super Hit Similar →
1934 Susie's Affairs Susie's Brunette Roommate Hit Similar →
1934 Let’s Be Ritzy Stenographer Super Hit Similar →
1934 Uncertain Lady Maid (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1934 School for Romance Student Flop Similar →
1933 By Candlelight Ann Average Similar →
1933 Umpa Nurse Flop Similar →
1932 Show Business Showgirl on Train (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1932 Too Many Women Girl in White Wool Hat (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →

Lois January - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Lois January?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Lois January is "The Roaming Cowboy" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Lois January acted in?

Lois January has been featured in at least 33 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Lois January?

Other notable films include "Let’s Be Ritzy", "Let's Talk It Over", and "Too Many Women".

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