Editor’s note: This article is the latest in a monthly series highlighting the personalities featured in the Exhibit Hall at the Orpheum Theater Center.

Many people know that John Wayne, Donna Reed, and Ashton Kutcher hail from the Hawkeye state, and Marshalltown’s own Jean Seberg remains an international icon. But these are just a few of many personalities whose stories are on display at the Orpheum. Whether writing a screenplay, designing sets for Broadway or starring in a Hollywood Blockbuster, Iowans have long made their mark on the stage and screen. This month we feature three such personalities: Nedra Volz, Conrad Nagel and Michael Talbott.

Born Nedra Gordonier in Montrose in 1908, Volz began her career in vaudeville performing with her family and also enjoyed some early success as a vocalist. But she is best remembered for her long-term success as a supporting actress on multiple television serials including “Diff’rent Strokes,” “All in the Family” and “The Fall Guy.” She also appeared in several feature films including “Filthy Rich,” “Moving Violations” and “The Great White Hype.” Acting well into her 80s, Volz often performed many of her own stunts whenever a scene called for physical comedy. She was married for 43 years and had three children. She died in Mesa, Ariz., in 2003.

Conrad Nagel was an idol of the silver screen, beginning his career during the silent film era and on radio. Born in Keokuk, and the son of a musician father and mother, Nagel moved to California after high school to pursue acting, where he quickly caught the attention of studio executives. Over the course of his career, he appeared in more than 100 films and successfully made the transition to television, hosting the “Conrad Nagel Theatre” from 1950-55. In addition, in 1927 Nagel joined 35 others in the formation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; the organization that awards the Oscars, and for two years served as its president. He was also a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild. For his work in film, radio and television, Nagel received three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was married and divorced three times and had two children.

Waverly native Michael Talbott was born in 1955 and has made a career as an actor in both television and film. His repertoire of television work includes guest shots on TV’s “Sanford and Son,” “Eight is Enough” and “M*A*S*H,” and a supporting role as Det. Stanley Switek on “Miami Vice.” More recently, he has appeared in a series of television detective films starring Brian Dennehy. In film, Talbott has appeared in “Carrie,” “Used Cars,” “Racing With the Moon” and “Any Which Way You Can.”

The Orpheum Theatre Center is a member of the League of Historic American Theaters and is administered by Iowa Valley Community College District. It is located at 220 E. Main St. in Marshalltown.

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Nancy Adams is an associate professor of psychology and coordinator for the Student Assistance Program at Marshalltown Community College and the Orpheum Gallery curator.