Luana June Patten, born on July 6, 1938, in Long Beach, California, was an American actress whose early association with Walt Disney Studios made her a prominent child star. Discovered while modeling at the age of three, she was one of the first contract players for Disney.

She made her film debut in the 1946 musical Song of the South, where she played Ginny, the lovable white child fascinated by Uncle Remus's tales. Her charming performances in movies like Fun and Fancy Free (1947), Melody Time (1948), and So Dear to My Heart (1948) solidified her place in Hollywood during its Golden Age.

As she transitioned into adult roles, she starred in Rock, Pretty Baby (1956) and Home from the Hill (1960). Her versatility was evident in films like The Music Box Kid (1960) and the western A Thunder of Drums (1961). She also made guest appearances on various television shows, including The Twilight Zone, Perry Mason, Wagon Train, and Rawhide.

Luana Patten had three marriages. She first married actor John Smith on June 4, 1960, but their marriage ended in 1964. Her second marriage was to Ron Glosman in 1967, but it too ended in divorce in 1973. Patten's final marriage to Jerry Mays from 1970 to 1973 also ended in divorce.

She briefly retired from acting in the 1970s but returned for a cameo in the 1988 film Grotesque. Over her career, she received recognition for her work, including a nomination for the Golden Laurel Awards.

Luana Patten passed away on May 1, 1996, in Long Beach, California, from respiratory failure at the age of 57.