Burke was working as a dental assistant in Chicago when she submitted her photograph for a contest Paramount Pictures held for a role in Island of Lost Souls (1932). She beat out thousands of other contestants (including Gail Patrick), and launched her brief film career.
Former fashion model, who acted on radio and performed on stage in Chicago from the age of 15. Participated in a Paramount-sponsored contest to find the 'Panther Woman' for 'Island of Lost Souls' (1933). She was picked from 60,000 contestants. Thereafter, relegated to exotic temptresses and second leads for the remainder of her brief Hollywood career.