Florence Halop ~ The Raspy Voiced Night Court Star

 

Florence Halop was a raspy voiced radio star who is best remembered for starring on the TV series Night Court

She was born Florence Cohen on January 23, 1923 in Jamaica, New York. Her mother, Lucille Halop Cohen, had been a professional dancer. When she was just four years old she began working on the radio. Her brothers, Billy Halop and, Joel Halop, also became actors. Florence appeared on dozens of radio shows including Duffy's Tavern, The Jack Paar Show, and My Favorite Husband. With her raspy voice she quickly became one of the most sought after radio stars. She made her film debut in the 1939 drama Nancy Drew, Reporter with Bonita Granville. In 1949 she married producer George Gruskin. The following year the couple had a daughter named Georgianna. From 1952 until 1955 she starred in the television comedy Meet Millie.

When she was pregnant in 1953 she continued to film until seven days before her daughter Benita was born. Florence and George separated in 1962 but got back together soon after. During the 1970s she had guest roles on Soap and Alice. She also appeared in six episodes of Barney Miller. Sadly in 1975 her husband passed away. Florence was cast in a recurring role on the medical drama St. Elsewhere. Then in 1985 she began playing Flo the bailiff on the popular TV series Night Court. Audiences loved her sassy, sharp tongued character. After suffering a stroke in June of 1986 she was diagnosed with lung cancer. On July 15, 1986 she died at the age of sixty-three. She was buried at Valhalla Memorial Park in North Hollywood, California.