LOS ANGELES — Sally Forrest, an actress-dancer who graced the silver screen throughout the ’40s and ’50s, died on March 15 at her home in Beverly Hills, California.

She was 86 and had long battled cancer.

Her publicist, Judith Goffin, announced the news Thursday.

A San Diego native, Forrest became a protege of Hollywood trailblazer Ida Lupino, who cast her in starring roles in films including the critical and commercial success “Not Wanted,” “Never Fear” and “Hard, Fast and Beautiful.”

Forrest also appeared in MGM musicals and films such as the 1956 noir “While the City Sleeps,”

She also starred in a Broadway production of “The Seven Year Itch.”