Following a brief career as a Hollywood actress, which lasted from 1930 to 1932 and during which she accumulated four screen credits, Voelkel married filmmaker Irving Hartley, with whom she produced numerous documentary films on a wide range of subjects.
In 1976, she created the Hartley Film Foundation, which was dedicated to promoting greater understanding of religion and spirituality.
or "Leo") and Emily (Lockwood) Voelkel, was born in Brownwood, Texas, and grew up in McKinney and Dallas.
She spent two years studying at Southern Methodist University, before departing for New York City to attend drama school.
The Fox Film Corporation signed Voelkel to a contract after she played two ingenue theatrical roles in New York City.
She was cast in bit parts in The Vagabond King (1930), Only The Brave (1930), and had an uncredited role in She Wanted A Millionaire (1932).