She was born Geraldine Margaret Ford on October 1, 1913 in Avon, Massachusetts. Her father, Jeremiah Ford, worked as a janitor. June and her siblings grew up in a very conservative household. When she was a teenager the family moved to New York City. She got a job as a chorus girl and eventually started working in burlesque clubs. With her platinum blonde hair and shapely figure she quickly became a popular star. June danced in clubs all over the country and was nicknamed "The Platinum Princess". Her sister, Helen Colby, also became a popular burlesque dancer. In 1937 she appeared in Life magazine where she showed women how to undress in front of their husbands. She made a screen test for MGM but they didn't offer her a contract.
Despite her sexy image she claimed to be very modest and rarely dated. Her mother often traveled with her as a chaperone. Then in 1948 she fell in love with a man in Chicago who started abusing her. June told her friends that he raped her and got her pregnant. When she found out her boyfriend was married she had an abortion. Soon after her beloved mother passed away. She attempted suicide in February of 1949. Although she survived she continued to struggle with grief and depression. Tragically on October 21, 1949 she checked into a New York City hotel and committed suicide by overdosing on pills. June was only thirty-six years old. A note was found in her room that said she was sorry "for disgracing you all".
