Invent Clown

Carla Balenda, 94 Years Old

Carla Balenda or Sally Bliss in real life had just a few film and television credits under her name but she was clearly able to create a huge fan base because of it. She later hit the big league after she paired up with the A-list actor Mickey Rooney. Balenda had contracts with RKO Pictures and Columbia Pictures. After being billed as Sally Bliss in “a few minor roles in RKO productions,” she changed her name to Carla Balenda.

She explained: “Sally Bliss was just too cute. And I’m not cute at all. That name would type me, probably in ingenue roles — and I’m not the type.” During the ‘60s, Balenda decided to step away from the limelight and opted for the simple life of a common citizen. Since then she’s been living happily alongside her closest friends and loved ones, spending the fruits of her investments. From the looks of things, she really thought it out perfectly.

Advertisement