Biography
Jenny was born on Friday, July 30th, 1943, in New York City, to Ben and Rose Hecht of Nyack, New York. By the age of eight, Jenny had become an actress, eventually establishing herself as a talented actress and singer. Her career spanned more than two decades, during which her performances on stage, screen, and television gained legendary status. Jenny collaborated with notable talents such as Geraldine Page, Mark Stevens, Vicki Cummings, Paul Guilfoyle, Eddie Albert, Helen Hayes, and Billy Burke. Her acting coach was the renowned Constance Collier.
Jenny attended The Dwight Junior School in Englewood, New Jersey, as well as the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
Her first television appearance was on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1951, portraying Helen Hayes in "The Helen Hayes Story." Later, Jenny had the opportunity to work alongside Helen Hayes.
In 1952, Jenny appeared in the film "Actors and Sin," working with Eddie Albert and several other emerging actors. Following this, she performed in the Broadway production of "Mid-Summer" from 1953 to 1954, which opened at the Vanderbilt Theatre on January 21st, 1953, before touring. In 1959, Jenny portrayed Anne Frank and also starred as the title character in the Broadway production of "Simone," running from 1959 to 1962. She appeared in the Broadway play "The Plough and the Stars" in 1960, which premiered on December 6th at the Phoenix Theatre in the East Village. Jenny’s film credits also include "Apres la Passion selon Sade" (1968), "The Jesus Trip" (1971), and documentaries with The Living Theatre such as "Antigone" (1968) and "Resist!: To Be with the Living!" (2004).
Her television appearances included roles in "Wagon Train" (1958), "The FBI" (1971), "Three Empty Rooms" (1953), and the anthology series "Climax!" (1958).
One of Jenny's most memorable and poignant roles was Sally Mayhew, a young woman dying prematurely, in the "Wagon Train" episode titled "The Mary Ellen Thomas Story," Season 2, Episode 12.
From 1963 to 1968, Jenny performed with The Living Theatre, an experimental company known for its revolutionary approach to theater as a platform for social change. Their innovative productions, improvisational styles, audience participation, and Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway shows such as "The Connection," "The Brig," "Antigone," "Frankenstein," and "Paradise Now" marked a significant turning point in Jenny's theatrical career. This experience inspired her to courageously pursue efforts to improve the world and enhance the quality of life for humanity. Her deep compassion and concern for others profoundly impacted her life.
Jenny’s final role was in the 1971 film "The Jesus Trip." Shortly after completing the film, both her career and life came to an end. On Thursday, March 25th, 1971, Jenny returned to her hotel room in North Hollywood and quietly passed away at the age of 27. The official cause of death was recorded as a drug overdose.
