[3] As she began progressing to more prominent roles, Leeds retired after marrying, and later became a successful horse breeder.

[4] Leeds was born on August 18, 1913, in Butte, Montana, the only child of Charles and Lina (née Deoviddio) Lees.

[6] Initially planning to be a writer, Leeds earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.

On October 25, 1939, Leeds married Robert Stewart Howard, son of California businessman and racehorse owner Charles S.

The couple also owned the Howard Manor in Palm Springs, a hotel originally built as the Colonial House by Las Vegas casino owner and Purple Gang member Al Wertheimer.