- Cousin of actress, singer, and dancer Ginger Rogers.
- Collaborated with Dr. Seuss [aka Theodor Seuss Geisel] on a series of children's learn-to-read books, including 'The Cat in the Hat Comes Back" and "Green Eggs and Ham".
- It was her cousin Ginger Rogers who urged her to try to make it in the movies. She won small parts in films at first, then co-starred opposite John Wayne in Winds of the Wasteland (1936).
- Was married to Random House publishing magnate Bennett Cerf.
- Following husband Bennett Cerf's death, she married Robert F. Wagner, the former mayor of New York City; they were together for 15 years until his death in 1991.
- Later wrote for Newsday and Good Housekeeping and photographed authors for Random House book jackets.
- Billed as Phyllis Fraser throughout her entire movie career.
- Had two sons, Christopher Cerf, editor-in-chief of the Children's Television Workshop's Products Group, and Jonathan Cerf, an educator and computer consultant. The two boys were crowned "World Doubles Table Hockey Champions" in 1972.
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