Famous movie actresses born in the year 1917
Here are 50 famous actresses from the world were born in 1917:
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 Newport News-June 15, 1996 Beverly Hills) also known as Ella Fitzgerard, Ella Jane Fitzgerald, Queen of Jazz, Lady Ella, First Lady of Song, The First Lady of Jazz or The First Lady of Swing was an American singer and actor. She had one child, Ray Brown, Jr..
Ella Fitzgerald is widely regarded as one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. Her career spanned over six decades, during which she recorded more than 200 albums and won 13 Grammy Awards. Fitzgerald began her career as a teenager and quickly gained popularity for her clear and powerful voice, impressive range, and impeccable phrasing. In the 1950s, she collaborated with jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and in the 1960s she recorded a series of popular songbook albums, including ones devoted to the music of Cole Porter and George Gershwin. Throughout her career, Fitzgerald was admired by audiences and fellow musicians alike for her technical skill, warmth, and versatility. After her death, she was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Alice Pearce
Alice Pearce (October 16, 1917 New York City-March 3, 1966 Hollywood) also known as Alicia Pearce or Alicia “Alice” Pearce was an American singer and actor.
Pearce began her career in entertainment as a singer and appeared in several musical stage productions. She later transitioned to television and film, where she is best known for her role as Gladys Kravitz on the hit sitcom "Bewitched" from 1964 until her death in 1966. Pearce was awarded the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series posthumously for her role in "Bewitched". Pearce tragically passed away at the age of 48 due to ovarian cancer.
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Celeste Holm
Celeste Holm (April 29, 1917 Brooklyn-July 15, 2012 Manhattan) was an American actor. Her children are called Ted Nelson and Daniel Dunning.
Celeste Holm began her career on Broadway in the 1930s, appearing in several plays before making her film debut in "Three Little Girls in Blue" (1946). She went on to star in several classic movies such as "Gentleman's Agreement" (1947), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, "All About Eve" (1950), and "High Society" (1956).
Aside from her acting career, Holm was also involved in philanthropic work and was a member of numerous civic and cultural organizations. She was an advocate for both the arts and animal welfare, serving as a board member for organizations such as The Actors' Fund and The Humane Society of the United States.
Celebrated for her warmth, wit, and charm, Celeste Holm was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and remained active in film, theatre, and television until her passing in 2012 at the age of 95.
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Danielle Darrieux
Danielle Darrieux (May 1, 1917 Bordeaux-) also known as Danielle Yvonne Marie Antoinette Darrieux, Daniele Darrieux, DD or Даниэль Дарьё is a French singer and actor. She has one child, Mathieu Mitsinkidès.
Darrieux began her career as a child actor in French cinema in the 1930s and rose to become one of France's most beloved film stars in the 1940s and 1950s. She appeared in more than 100 films over the course of her career. In addition to her acting, Darrieux was also known for her singing voice and recorded several albums throughout the years. She was awarded the Legion of Honor in 1985 for her contributions to French cinema. In later years, Darrieux continued to work in both film and theater, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards for her performances. She passed away in 2017 at the age of 100.
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Helen Forrest
Helen Forrest (April 12, 1917 Atlantic City-July 11, 1999 Los Angeles) also known as Helen Forest, Helen Fogel, Forrest, Helen or Helen Forrest (w. Artie Shaw & His Orchestra) was an American singer and actor.
Forrest rose to fame in the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s, working with big bands such as Benny Goodman and Harry James. She was particularly known for her smooth and sultry vocals, which were showcased on hits like "I Had The Craziest Dream" and "I Don't Want To Walk Without You". In addition to singing, Forrest also acted in several films, including the musicals "Two Girls and a Sailor" and "Broadway Rhythm". After a brief hiatus from the music industry in the 1950s, she returned to performing in the 1960s and continued to tour and record into the 1990s. Forrest is remembered as one of the greatest vocalists of the swing era and a trailblazer for women in jazz.
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Inge Borkh
Inge Borkh (May 26, 1917 Mannheim-) a.k.a. Ingeborg Simon is a German singer, actor and dancer.
She studied music, art and dance in Mannheim and later in Berlin, where she made her debut as an operetta singer in 1939. Borkh quickly became known for her powerful voice and exquisite stage presence, with notable performances in operas such as Richard Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" and Giacomo Puccini's "Tosca". She also made a name for herself as a concert singer, performing with some of the world's most renowned orchestras.
In addition to her successful singing career, Borkh also acted in films, including a leading role in the wartime drama "Romance in a Minor Key" (1943). She later appeared in productions of the Salzburg Festival and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Borkh retired from the stage in the 1980s, after a career spanning over four decades. She was awarded numerous honors, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art.
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Janet Collins
Janet Collins (March 7, 1917 New Orleans-May 28, 2003 Fort Worth) was an American ballet dancer, dancer, choreographer, dance teacher and actor.
She was the first African American ballerina to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1951. Collins faced racial barriers in the dance world during her career, but she persevered and paved the way for other dancers of color. She trained at the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and performed with the Katherine Dunham Company before joining the Met. Collins also appeared in films and television shows, including the movie "Carmen Jones" and the TV series "I Spy." Later in her career, she focused on teaching and choreography, founding the Janet Collins Fellowship for Independent Study to support young dancers. Collins received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the arts, including the National Medal of Arts in 1999.
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Jo Stafford
Jo Stafford (November 12, 1917 Coalinga-July 16, 2008 Century City) also known as Jo Staffard, Jo Elizabeth Stafford or Stafford, Jo was an American singer and actor.
Stafford started her career as a teenager singing with big bands in the 1930s, including the orchestras of Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman. She later became a solo artist and had several hit songs, including "You Belong to Me" and "Make Love to Me".
During World War II, Stafford recorded with the USO and became known as "GI Jo". She also had a successful radio career, hosting her own show and appearing on other programs.
After leaving the music industry in the 1960s, Stafford became a voice actor, lending her talents to cartoons and commercials. She won a Grammy Award in 1961 for her album "Jonathan and Darlene Edwards in Paris", which was a comedic spoof of popular songs.
Throughout her career, Stafford was known for her warm and velvety voice, as well as her versatility and ability to sing multiple genres of music. She was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999.
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Lena Horne
Lena Horne (June 30, 1917 Bedford-Stuyvesant-May 9, 2010 Manhattan) a.k.a. Lena Horn, Horne Lena, Lene Horne, Lena Mary Calhoun Horne, Horne, Lena or Lena Calhoun Horne was an American singer, actor, musician, pin-up girl, dancer and civil rights activist. She had two children, Gail Buckley and Terry Jones.
Lena Horne began her career in 1933 as a chorus girl at the Cotton Club in Harlem. She gained fame as a performer with her smooth and sultry voice, and her beauty made her a popular pin-up girl for the US army during World War II. Horne was also an accomplished actor, starring in films such as "Cabin in the Sky" (1943) and "Stormy Weather" (1943).
Throughout her life, Lena Horne was an important advocate for civil rights. She spoke out against racial discrimination in Hollywood, and she was blacklisted by the entertainment industry during the McCarthy era for her political beliefs. Despite this, Horne continued to perform and protest for equality, and she marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1963 March on Washington. Horne received numerous awards throughout her career, including a Kennedy Center Honor in 1984 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990. She passed away in 2010 at the age of 92.
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Maya Deren
Maya Deren (April 29, 1917 Kiev-October 13, 1961 Manhattan) also known as Eleanora Derenkowsky, Eleanora Derenkowskaia, Eleanora Derenkovskaya, Элеоно́ра Деренко́вская or Eleanora Solomonovna Derenkovsky was an American film director, artist, screenwriter, cinematographer, actor, author, choreographer, poet, writer, photographer, dancer, teacher and visual artist.
She is best known for her avant-garde films, which often explored themes of spirituality and the human experience. Deren's most well-known film, "Meshes of the Afternoon," is a surreal and dreamlike exploration of the subconscious mind. Deren was also a prominent figure in the New York avant-garde art scene in the 1940s and 50s, and was heavily involved in the development of experimental dance. In addition to her creative work, Deren was a prolific writer and teacher, and her writings on film theory are still studied today. Her groundbreaking work has had a major influence on the development of experimental film and art.
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Vera Lynn
Vera Lynn (March 20, 1917 East Ham-) also known as Vera Margaret Welch or Dame Vera Lynn is an English singer and actor.
She became popular during the Second World War when she entertained British troops in India, Egypt, and Burma with her performances. Lynn was often referred to as the "Forces' Sweetheart" due to her popularity among the troops. Lynn's most famous song, "We'll Meet Again," has become a symbol of hope during difficult times and has been covered by many artists. After the war, Lynn continued to perform and record music, and in 1975 was awarded the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to entertainment and charity. She remained active well into her later years and performed live until the age of 92. Vera Lynn passed away on June 18, 2020 at the age of 103.
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Vera Zorina
Vera Zorina (January 2, 1917 Berlin-April 9, 2003 Santa Fe) a.k.a. Eva Brigitta Hartwig was an American ballet dancer, choreographer and actor. She had two children, Peter Lieberson and Jonathan Lieberson.
Zorina began her career as a ballet dancer in Germany before launching an international career that would include performances with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo and the Ballet Theatre in New York City. She also appeared in several Hollywood films, including the 1941 musical, "The Goldwyn Follies". As a choreographer, Zorina created works for the New York City Ballet and the Royal Danish Ballet. In her later years, she taught ballet and established the Vera Zorina Foundation to support dance education. Zorina was married to composer George Balanchine from 1938 to 1946.
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Adele Jergens
Adele Jergens (November 26, 1917 Brooklyn-November 22, 2002 Camarillo) also known as Adele Jurgens or Adele Louisa Jurgens was an American actor, model and dancer. She had one child, Tracy Langan.
Jergens began her career as a model and later transitioned into acting. She appeared in numerous films, including "The Dark Past" (1948), "Lady in the Lake" (1947), and "Girls in Prison" (1956). In addition to her film work, Jergens also acted in several television programs such as "The Lone Ranger" (1949), "The Abbott and Costello Show" (1952), and "77 Sunset Strip" (1958).
Jergens was also known for her singing and dancing abilities. She frequently performed in nightclubs and cabarets throughout the 1940s and 1950s, and was often featured in promotional materials as a "cheesecake" model.
Throughout her career, Jergens remained active in charitable causes and was involved in organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the United Service Organizations (USO).
Jergens passed away in 2002 at the age of 84.
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Ann Richards
Ann Richards (December 13, 1917 Sydney-August 25, 2006 Torrance) also known as Shirley Ann Richards was an American actor and poet. Her children are called Christopher Angelo, Juliet Angelo and Mark Angelo.
Ann Richards had a prolific acting career, appearing in over 50 films during the Golden Age of Hollywood, including "Jezebel" (1938), "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939), and "The Awful Truth" (1937). She also appeared on Broadway, often performing in musicals.
In later years, Richards shifted her focus to poetry and published several books of poetry, including "The Divided Heart" and "Toward Aquarius." She was known for her passionate and introspective writing style.
Richards was also a devoted mother and grandmother, often incorporating her family experiences into her poetry. She passed away in 2006 at the age of 88 in her home in Torrance.
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Ann Rutherford
Ann Rutherford (November 2, 1917 Vancouver-June 11, 2012 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. Therese Ann Rutherford was an American actor. She had one child, Gloria May.
Rutherford is best known for her role as Careen O'Hara, the sister of Scarlett O'Hara, in the classic film "Gone with the Wind". She also appeared in over 60 films throughout her career, including "Pride and Prejudice" and the "Andy Hardy" film series. Aside from her work in film, Rutherford also appeared on television, most notably in the 1950s sitcom "The Bob Cummings Show". She was an active participant in many charitable organizations throughout her life and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Rutherford remained active in the entertainment industry until her death at the age of 94.
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Audrey Totter
Audrey Totter (December 20, 1917 Joliet-December 12, 2013 Woodland Hills) also known as Audrey Mary Totter, Marie Audrey Totter, Audrey Totter Mary or Audra Mary Totter was an American actor.
She was born in Joliet, Illinois and raised in Los Angeles, California. Totter began her career as a radio actress in the 1940s before making her film debut in "Main Street After Dark" (1945). She went on to star in several film noir classics, including "Lady in the Lake" (1947), "The Set-Up" (1949), and "Alias Nick Beal" (1949).
Totter also had a successful career on television, appearing in numerous shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Medical Center," "Bonanza," and "The Love Boat," among others. She retired from acting in the 1980s after a career that spanned over four decades.
In addition to her work on screen, Totter was also an accomplished painter and writer. She published a memoir, "Woman of a Thousand Faces," in 2006. She passed away in 2013 at the age of 95.
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Brenda Joyce
Brenda Joyce (February 25, 1917 Excelsior Springs-July 4, 2009 Santa Monica) also known as Betty Leabo, Betty Graffina Leabo or Graftina was an American actor. She had three children, Pamela Ann Ward, Timothy Owen Ward and Beth Victoria Ward.
Brenda Joyce began her acting career in the 1940s, appearing in several films before landing her most famous role as Jane in the popular Tarzan series, replacing actress Maureen O'Sullivan. She starred opposite Johnny Weissmuller in five Tarzan films, from 1946 to 1949, and became known for her chemistry with Weissmuller.
After her time as Jane, Joyce continued to act in films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She also made appearances on game shows and worked as a model.
In addition to acting, Joyce was also an advocate for animal rights and worked with several organizations, including the American Humane Association. She remained active in her community and was involved with local theater productions until her death at the age of 92 in 2009.
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Elyse Knox
Elyse Knox (December 14, 1917 Hartford-February 16, 2012 Los Angeles) also known as Elsie Kornbrath or Elsie Lillian Kornbrath was an American actor, model and fashion designer. She had three children, Kristin Nelson, Mark Harmon and Kelly Harmon.
Knox started off her career as a fashion model and won the Miss American Junior Pageant in 1933. She then began acting in films and made her debut in the 1937 film "Personal Property." Over the next decade, she appeared in numerous films such as "The Mummy's Tomb" (1942), "The Last of the Mohicans" (1941) and "The Philadelphia Story" (1940). In addition to her acting career, Knox was also a skilled dress designer and created clothing for Hollywood celebrities, including Rita Hayworth and Ann Miller. Later in life, she became active in philanthropy and worked to raise funds for the Motion Picture and Television Fund.
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Faye Emerson
Faye Emerson (July 8, 1917 Elizabeth-March 9, 1983 Deià) otherwise known as Faye Margaret Emerson, faye_emerson or The First Lady of Television was an American actor. She had one child, William Crawford Jr..
Faye Emerson started her career as a model and was crowned Miss New York in 1939, which opened doors for her in the entertainment industry. She then worked as a radio commentator, and went on to host her own television talk show, The Faye Emerson Show, which ran from 1949 to 1951.
She also appeared in numerous films, such as A Face in the Crowd (1957) and The Seventh Victim (1943), and was renowned for her on-screen charisma and elegance. Off-screen, Emerson was known to have had several high-profile affairs, including with President Franklin D. Roosevelt and author Graham Greene.
Emerson retired from show business in the late 1950s and moved to Spain with her husband, writer and film director, Stanley Logan. She lived out the rest of her life in solitude and passed away in Deià, Spain, in 1983 at the age of 65. Despite a storied career in show business, Emerson always maintained that her greatest accomplishment was being a mother.
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Googie Withers
Googie Withers (March 12, 1917 Karachi-July 15, 2011 Sydney) also known as Georgette Lizette Withers, Georgette Lizette "Googie" Withers, Georgette Lizette Withers CBE, AO or Georgette Lizette "Googie" Withers CBE, AO was a British actor and entertainer. She had three children, Joanna McCallum, Nicholas McCallum and Amanda McCallum.
Withers began her acting career in 1929 at the age of 12 in the film "The Vagabond Queen." She went on to star in numerous films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, including "Jamaica Inn" (1939), "Nine Days a Queen" (1936), and "The Lady Vanishes" (1938).
In the 1950s, Withers moved to Australia with her husband, fellow actor John McCallum. She continued to act in films and on stage, including several roles in Australian television series. Withers was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002 for her services to drama, and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2007.
Despite retiring from acting in her 80s, Withers remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry throughout her life. She passed away in Sydney in 2011 at the age of 94.
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Jane Wyman
Jane Wyman (January 5, 1917 Saint Joseph-September 10, 2007 Rancho Mirage) a.k.a. Sarah Jane Fulks, Sarah Jane Mayfield, Miss Jane Wyman, Jane Durrell, Jane Fulks, Button Nose, Minnie Mouse or Janie was an American actor, singer, dancer and switchboard operator. She had three children, Michael Reagan, Maureen Reagan and Christine Reagan.
Wyman began her career as a radio singer and then moved on to film, where she appeared in many notable movies such as "The Lost Weekend", "Magnificent Obsession", and "All That Heaven Allows". She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Johnny Belinda" in 1948.
In addition to her successful film career, Wyman also had a prominent television career, starring in the popular series "Falcon Crest" in the 1980s. Outside of her acting career, she was a noted philanthropist and humanitarian, serving as a board member for organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
Wyman was married and divorced five times, including to actor Ronald Reagan from 1940 to 1949. She passed away in 2007 at the age of 90.
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Joan Fontaine
Joan Fontaine (October 22, 1917 Tokyo-December 15, 2013 Carmel-by-the-Sea) also known as Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland, Joan Burfield or Joan St. John was a British actor. She had two children, Debbie Dozier and Martita Pareja.
Fontaine was one of the most famous actresses of the 1940s, known for her roles in classic films such as "Rebecca" and "Suspicion", for which she won an Academy Award. She began her career on stage in the 1930s before transitioning to film and quickly becoming one of Hollywood's leading ladies. In addition to her film work, Fontaine was also a successful television actress, starring in shows such as "The Love Boat" and "Crossings". Later in life, she became involved in animal welfare and was a supporter of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
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June Allyson
June Allyson (October 7, 1917 The Bronx-July 8, 2006 Ojai) a.k.a. Ella Geisman, Eleanor Geisman, Junie, Ella, June Allison, Jane Allyson or Jan Allyson was an American actor and musician. She had two children, Pamela Allyson Powell and Richard Keith Powell Jr..
June Allyson began her career as a dancer before transitioning to acting in the late 1940s. She quickly became a popular leading lady, known for her girl-next-door charm and wholesome persona. Some of her most memorable roles include "Good News" (1947), "The Three Musketeers" (1948), and "Little Women" (1949).
Allyson also had success on television, starring in the popular CBS sitcom "The DuPont Show with June Allyson" from 1959 to 1961. She continued to act in films and television throughout the 1960s and '70s, and also appeared on stage in several Broadway productions.
In addition to her work in entertainment, Allyson was also known for her advocacy for children's causes, and served as a spokesperson for the National Children's Leukemia Foundation. After retiring from acting, she lived a quiet life in Ojai, California until her death in 2006.
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June Foray
June Foray (September 18, 1917 Springfield-) also known as June Lucille Forer or The Cartoon Queen is an American actor and voice actor.
She was best known for her vocal work in animated films and television shows, most notably as the voice of Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Natasha Fatale in the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. She also provided the voice for numerous other iconic characters, such as Granny from the Looney Tunes series and Cindy Lou Who in the original animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. June Foray began her career in radio in the 1930s and established herself as a versatile voice actress throughout the golden age of animation. She won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2012 for her lifetime achievement in voice acting and remained active in the industry until her passing in 2017 at the age of 99.
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June Lang
June Lang (May 5, 1917 Minneapolis-May 16, 2005 Valley Village) also known as Winifred June Vlasek or June Vlasek was an American actor. Her child is called Patricia Morgan.
June Lang began her career as a child actress and starred in several films in the 1930s and 1940s. She starred opposite notable actors such as James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, and Edward G. Robinson. Lang's most notable role was in the 1933 film "The Human Jungle". In 1940, Lang retired from acting after marrying her second husband, a screenwriter. She raised her daughter and pursued painting and sculpting as hobbies. In the 1970s, she returned to acting and appeared in a few television shows and films. Lang was also a successful businesswoman and owned multiple real estate properties.
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Margo
Margo (May 10, 1917 Mexico City-July 17, 1985 Pacific Palisades) otherwise known as Margo Albert, Maria Marguerita Guadelupe Boldao y Castilla or María Marguerita Guadalupe Teresa Estela Bolado Castilla y O'Donnell was a Mexican actor and dancer. She had two children, Edward Albert and Maria Albert Zucht.
Margo started her career as a dancer in Mexico City, performing in local nightclubs and theaters. Eventually, she moved to Hollywood where she appeared in several films and TV shows, including "Lost Horizon" (1937), "The Leopard Man" (1943), and "Viva Zapata!" (1952). She also became a popular stage actress, appearing in productions like "South Pacific" and "The King and I" on Broadway. Margo was known for playing strong, fiery characters and was often cast in supporting roles. In addition to acting, she was also a talented painter and sculptor. Margo passed away in 1985 at the age of 68 from lung cancer.
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Marjorie Reynolds
Marjorie Reynolds (August 12, 1917 Buhl-February 1, 1997 Manhattan Beach) also known as Marjorie Goodspeed, Marjory Reynolds or Marjorie Moore was an American actor. Her child is called Linda Reynolds.
Reynolds started her acting career as a chorus girl and later worked as a contract player for Warner Bros. and other studios. She starred alongside Bing Crosby in the film Holiday Inn and was also known for her role in the TV series The Life of Riley. In addition to her work in film and television, Reynolds was also a popular radio personality and appeared on numerous radio programs throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Later in life, she retired from acting and became involved with animal rights activism. Reynolds passed away at the age of 79 due to congestive heart failure.
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Marsha Hunt
Marsha Hunt (October 17, 1917 Chicago-) a.k.a. Marcia Virginia Hunt, Marsha Virginia Hunt or Marcia Virginia "Marsha Hunt is an American actor, singer, model, politician and author.
She appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, working with acclaimed directors such as Orson Welles and John Ford. Marsha Hunt was also a popular model, notably appearing on the cover of Life magazine in 1943. In her later years, she became involved in politics and was a prominent activist for civil rights and social justice causes. She has authored several books, including her memoir, "The Way We Wore: Styles of the 1930s and '40s and Our World Since Then".
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Megs Jenkins
Megs Jenkins (April 21, 1917 Birkenhead-October 5, 1998 Suffolk) also known as Muguette Mary Jenkins or Muguette Mary "Megs" Jenkins was a British actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s and went on to appear in over 50 films and numerous television shows. Some of her notable film roles include "Oliver Twist" (1948), "The Chiltern Hundreds" (1949), and "The Innocents" (1961). On television, she appeared in popular shows such as "The Forsyte Saga" (1967) and "Doctor Who" (1976). Jenkins was also a seasoned theater performer, appearing in productions such as "Separate Tables" and "The Importance of Being Earnest." Aside from acting, she was an avid bridge player and even wrote a book about the card game. Jenkins passed away in 1998 at the age of 81.
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Phyllis Diller
Phyllis Diller (July 17, 1917 Lima-August 20, 2012 Brentwood) a.k.a. Phyllis Ada Driver, Phyliss Diller or Phyllis Driver was an American comedian, actor and voice actor. Her children are called Stephanie Diller, Sally Diller, Suzanne Diller, Perry Diller and Peter Diller.
Phyllis Diller is known for her eccentric, self-deprecating humor that often poked fun at her personal appearance and household chores. She started her career in comedy at the age of 37, after her husband encouraged her to pursue her passion. Diller appeared on numerous television shows such as "Laugh-In," "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." She was also a regular performer in Las Vegas and released several comedy albums. In addition to her work as a comedian, she appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including "The Love Boat" and "A Bug's Life," where she provided the voice for the character of the Queen Ant. She was a trailblazer for female comedians and continued performing well into her 80s.
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Susan Hayward
Susan Hayward (June 30, 1917 Brooklyn-March 14, 1975 Hollywood) also known as Edythe Marrenner, Red or Edythe Marriner was an American model and actor. She had two children, Gregory Barker and Timothy Barker.
Despite a difficult childhood spent in poverty, Susan Hayward became an accomplished actress, receiving five Academy Award nominations and winning the Best Actress Oscar in 1959 for her role in "I Want to Live!". Some of her other memorable films include "Smash-Up, the Story of a Woman", "With a Song in My Heart", and "I'll Cry Tomorrow". Hayward also worked as a model early in her career, appearing in advertisements for products such as suntan lotion and Coca-Cola. She was known for her feisty personality and her dedication to her craft, often performing her own stunts in films. Hayward passed away in 1975 from brain cancer at the age of 57.
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Valerie Hobson
Valerie Hobson (April 14, 1917 Larne-November 13, 1998 Westminster) also known as Valerie Babette Louise Hobson or Babette Valerie Louise Hobson was a British actor. Her children are called Simon Anthony Clerveaux Havelock-Allan, David Profumo and Mark Havelock-Allan.
Valerie Hobson began her career as a stage actress before transitioning to the big screen in 1934. She appeared in many notable films throughout her career, including "Great Expectations" (1946) and "Kind Hearts and Coronets" (1949). She was also known for her role as the female lead in the classic horror film "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935).
In addition to her successful acting career, Hobson was also known for her philanthropic work. She was a dedicated supporter of several charities, including the International Red Cross and the NSPCC, and was awarded the OBE for her services to the community.
Hobson was married three times, first to the film producer Anthony Havelock-Allan, then to the politician John Profumo, and finally to businessman Dr. Bruce Belfrage. She had three children from her first marriage and had a happy and fulfilling life until her passing in 1998.
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Virginia Field
Virginia Field (November 4, 1917 London-January 2, 1992 Palm Desert) also known as Margaret Cynthia Field or Katherine Burke was a British actor. She had two children, Margaret Field Douglas and Johnnie Douglas.
Field started her acting career in British films during the 1930s and later moved to Hollywood to continue her career. She appeared in more than 40 films including "Waterloo Bridge" (1940), "The Body Snatcher" (1945), and "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" (1949).
Aside from her film career, Field was also a successful television actress, appearing in many popular TV shows such as "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis," "77 Sunset Strip," and "Perry Mason."
In addition to her work in entertainment, Field was actively involved in charitable work, particularly in raising funds for arthritis research. She was also a devout Christian Scientist and adhered to the church's teachings throughout her life.
Field continued acting throughout the 1970s and 1980s before passing away in 1992 at the age of 74.
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Virginia Grey
Virginia Grey (March 22, 1917 Los Angeles-July 31, 2004 Woodland Hills) was an American actor.
Grey was born in Los Angeles to a show-business family. Her mother was an actress and her father was an MGM studio executive. Grey started out in the film industry as a child actor, appearing in several films in the early 1930s. She later worked as a contract player at MGM, where she appeared in over 50 films throughout her career.
Grey is perhaps best known for her role in the film "The Women" (1939), in which she played "Miriam Aarons." She also appeared in other notable films such as "Another Thin Man" (1939), "The Big Store" (1941), and "All That Heaven Allows" (1955).
In addition to her work in film, Grey also appeared in several television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Wagon Train," "Perry Mason," and "77 Sunset Strip."
After retiring from acting in the 1970s, Grey became a voice-over artist and lent her voice to several animated shows and movies, including "Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo" and "The Smurfs."
Virginia Grey passed away in 2004 at the age of 87 in Woodland Hills, California.
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Zsa Zsa Gábor
Zsa Zsa Gábor (February 6, 1917 Budapest-) also known as Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sári Gábor, Zsa-Zsa Gabor, ZsaZsa Gabor, Princess Zsa Zsa Gabor, Miss Hungary or Princess Von Anhalt, Duchess of Saxony is an American actor and socialite. She has one child, Constance Francesca Hilton.
Zsa Zsa Gabor came from a wealthy Hungarian family and began her career as a beauty queen, winning the 1936 Miss Hungary pageant. She soon after moved to the United States to pursue acting and went on to star in many films and television shows, including "Moulin Rouge," "Lili," and "Batman."
Throughout her career, Gabor was known for her glamorous lifestyle and often outrageous behavior. She was married nine times, including to hotel magnate Conrad Hilton and actor George Sanders. Gabor retired from acting in the 1990s but remained in the public eye, often making appearances on talk shows and reality television programs.
She passed away on December 18, 2016, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy as a Hollywood icon and a symbol of glamour and excess.
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Kay Aldridge
Kay Aldridge (July 9, 1917 Tallahassee-January 12, 1995 Rockport) also known as Katherine Aldridge, Katharine Aldridge or Katharine Gratten Aldridge was an American model and actor. She had four children, Carey Cameron Ferrero, Arthur Cameron, Scott Cameron and Melissa Brumder.
Kay Aldridge began her modeling career as a teenager, winning the title of Miss Tallahassee in a local beauty contest. She then moved to New York City to pursue modeling full-time, where she quickly became a popular pin-up model and appeared on the covers of several magazines.
After making her feature film debut in 1941's "The Bugle Sounds," Aldridge landed her breakthrough role as Nyoka in the adventure serial "Perils of Nyoka." Her performance as the daring heroine catapulted her to stardom and made her a household name.
Throughout the 1940s, Aldridge continued to appear in films and serials, including "Haunted Harbor" and "The Man from Oklahoma." She also made frequent appearances on radio shows and in advertisements.
In the 1950s, Aldridge retired from acting to focus on raising her children and pursuing other interests. She remained active in her community, serving on the board of several organizations and volunteering for charitable causes.
Despite stepping away from the spotlight, Aldridge remained a beloved figure among film and nostalgia enthusiasts until her death in 1995.
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Dorian Leigh
Dorian Leigh (April 23, 1917 San Antonio-July 7, 2008 Falls Church) also known as dorian_leigh or Dorian Elizabeth Leigh Parker was an American model, supermodel and actor. Her children are called Thomas Lofton and Marsha Hawkins.
Dorian Leigh was one of the most successful models in the 1940s and 1950s, and is considered to be the world's first supermodel. She began her modeling career in New York City in the 1940s, working for top designers such as Chanel, Balenciaga, and Dior. She graced the cover of numerous fashion magazines and was the face of many iconic ad campaigns, including Revlon's "Fire and Ice" campaign.
Aside from modeling, Leigh also pursued acting and appeared in a number of films, including "The Wings of Eagles" and "Deep in My Heart". She eventually retired from modeling in the early 1960s, but remained active in the fashion industry as a writer and commentator.
Leigh was married three times and had four children. She was known for her wit and intelligence, and her contributions to the fashion industry continue to be celebrated today.
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Gloria Dickson
Gloria Dickson (August 13, 1917 Pocatello-April 10, 1945 Los Angeles) also known as Thais Alalia Dickerson or Thais Dickerson was an American actor.
She began her career in Hollywood during the 1930s and appeared in several films, including "Charlie Chan in Reno" (1939) and "They Won't Forget" (1937). Dickson was known for her versatile acting skills and was often cast in a variety of roles, from femme fatales to sympathetic heroines.
She later struggled with alcoholism and was involved in a car accident that left her with a serious facial injury. Despite these challenges, Dickson continued to work in films and on radio shows.
Sadly, her life was cut short at the age of 27 when she died in a house fire in Los Angeles. It is said that she died trying to rescue her pets from the burning house. Her death was a tragic loss to the entertainment industry, and her talent is still celebrated today.
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Herta Ware
Herta Ware (June 9, 1917 Wilmington-August 15, 2005 Topanga) a.k.a. Herta Schwartz was an American actor and political activist. She had four children, Ellen Geer, Kate Geer, Thad Geer and Melora Marshall.
Ware began her career in the 1950s, appearing in various television shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits." She made her film debut in 1968 in the movie "Hang 'Em High." She is best known for her role as the grandmother in the 1982 horror film "Poltergeist."
Aside from her acting career, Ware was also an active member of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). She was passionate about politics and social justice, and often used her platform to advocate for causes such as racial equality and women's rights.
In her later years, Ware moved to Topanga, California where she continued to perform in local theater productions. She passed away in 2005 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actor and dedicated activist.
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Clarice Taylor
Clarice Taylor (September 20, 1917 Buckingham County-May 30, 2011 Englewood) a.k.a. Clarise Taylor was an American actor. She had two children, James Banks and William Banks.
Clarice Taylor was best known for her role as Anna Huxtable in the popular American sitcom "The Cosby Show". She started her acting career in the 1950s and appeared in numerous plays, television shows, and films throughout her career. Taylor was also a strong advocate for civil rights and was actively involved in the civil rights movement. She was married to musician and actor Maxwell Glanville until his death in 2002. In addition to her acting career, Taylor was also a talented singer and performed with jazz bands in her younger years. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 93.
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Lucille Bremer
Lucille Bremer (February 21, 1917 Amsterdam-April 16, 1996 La Jolla) was an American actor and dancer. She had four children, Christina, Karen, Torre and Nicholas.
Bremer is best known for her performances in musical films of the 1940s, such as "Ziegfeld Follies" and "Meet Me in St. Louis". She also starred in "The Harvey Girls" and "Yolanda and the Thief". Bremer started her dancing career at the age of 12 and quickly became a sought-after performer in Broadway productions. After transitioning to film, she found success as a leading lady but eventually retired from acting in the 1950s. Later in life, she became a real estate agent in California.
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Pamela Brown
Pamela Brown (July 8, 1917 Hampstead-September 19, 1975 Avening) also known as Pamela Mary Brown was an English actor.
She was born in Hampstead, London, England to a theatrical family. Her parents, Frank and Margery Brown, were both actors and her brother, Richard, also pursued a career in acting. Pamela attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and made her professional stage debut in 1936.
Throughout her career, Pamela appeared in numerous stage productions, as well as films and television shows. Some of her notable film roles include "I Know Where I'm Going!" (1945), "An American in Paris" (1951), and "Becket" (1964). She also had recurring roles on several popular British television shows, including "The Forsyte Saga" and "The Pallisers."
Pamela was highly regarded for her talent as an actor and received many accolades throughout her career. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway production of "The Grass Harp" in 1952. She was also awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1969 for her contributions to the arts.
Pamela never married and passed away in Avening, Gloucestershire, England in 1975 at the age of 58.
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Isabel Sanford
Isabel Sanford (August 29, 1917 Harlem-July 9, 2004 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Eloise Gwendolyn Sanford was an American actor. She had three children, Sanford K. Sanford, Pamela Ruff and William Eric Richmond.
Isabel Sanford is best known for her iconic role as Louise "Weezy" Jefferson on the popular television sitcoms "All in the Family" and its spin-off "The Jeffersons". In fact, she became the first African-American woman to win a major Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Louise.
Sanford began her career on stage, performing in various productions like "A Raisin in the Sun" and "The Amen Corner". She also appeared in several films such as "The Young Savages" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told".
After the success of "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons", Sanford became a household name and continued her acting career, both on television and in film. She also became a trailblazer for African-American actors, paving the way for future generations in the entertainment industry.
Sanford passed away in 2004 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances and unforgettable characters.
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Valentina Serova
Valentina Serova (December 23, 1917 Kharkiv-December 12, 1975 Moscow) a.k.a. Valentina Vasilyevna Polovikova or Valentina Polovikova was a Soviet actor.
She started her acting career in the theater, but later transitioned to film. Serova appeared in numerous films throughout the 1940s-1960s, including "The Unforgettable Year 1919," "The Return of Vasil Bortnikov," and "The Living and the Dead." She also won the Stalin Prize in 1950 for her role in the film "The Great Dawn." Along with her successful acting career, Serova was also a prominent public figure and served as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Despite her achievements, her personal life was marked by tragedy, including the loss of her husband and son during World War II. Serova passed away at the age of 57 from complications related to diabetes.
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Meg Wyllie
Meg Wyllie (February 15, 1917 Honolulu-January 1, 2002 Glendale) also known as Margaret Gillespie Wyllie, Margaret Gillespie "Meg" Wyllie or Meg Wylie was an American actor.
She began her career on Broadway in the 1940s, but ultimately transitioned to film and television. Wyllie appeared in over 100 TV shows and films throughout her career, including notable roles in the TV series "Kojak" and "The Twilight Zone" and the film "The Killer Shrews." She also provided the voice for the character of Mother Brain in the animated TV series "Captain N: The Game Master." In addition to acting, Wyllie was also an accomplished painter and sculptor. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 84.
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Ilse Steppat
Ilse Steppat (November 11, 1917 Barmen-December 22, 1969 West Berlin) also known as Jlse Steppat or Ilse Paula Steppat was a German actor.
Ilse Steppat began her acting career in 1938 as a stage actress. She later appeared in numerous films, including "The Longest Day" (1962) and the James Bond film "From Russia with Love" (1963), where she played the villainous character Rosa Klebb. Steppat was known for her versatility and ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles. She was a respected figure in the German theater and film industry, but sadly passed away at the age of 52 during the filming of her last movie "The Boat on the Grass" (1971). Despite her short career, Steppat remains a well-known and respected figure in German cinema history.
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Edith Bouvier Beale
Edith Bouvier Beale (November 7, 1917 New York City-January 9, 2002 Bal Harbour) otherwise known as Little Edie or Edith 'Little Edie' Bouvier Beale was an American model, actor and socialite.
She was born into a prominent family, as her aunt was the former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. In 1975, a documentary titled Grey Gardens was made about Edith and her mother, who were living in squalor in their East Hampton mansion surrounded by cats and raccoons. The film gained a cult following and brought attention to the eccentric lifestyle of the reclusive mother-daughter duo. Later in life, Edith became a fashion icon and a source of inspiration for designers, such as Marc Jacobs, who created a fashion line inspired by her style. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 84.
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Virginia Dale
Virginia Dale (July 1, 1917 Charlotte-October 3, 1994 Burbank) a.k.a. Frances Paxton or Phyllis Randall was an American actor.
She began her career in the late 1930s and appeared in over 40 films throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Some of her most notable film credits include "The Lone Ranger Rides Again" (1939), "The Fighting 69th" (1940), and "The Outlaw" (1943).
In addition to her film work, Dale also appeared in several television shows such as "The Cisco Kid," "The Range Rider," and "The Lone Ranger." She retired from acting in 1957 and moved to Burbank, California, where she lived until her death in 1994.
Dale was known for her signature curly hair and Southern belle charm, which made her a favorite among audiences. She was married to actor Richard Lane from 1944 until his death in 2002.
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Micheline Cheirel
Micheline Cheirel (April 12, 1917 Paris-October 25, 2002 Antibes) a.k.a. Micheline Truyen Leriche was a French actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s and appeared in over 20 films during her career, including "The Rules of the Game" (1939) and "La Belle et la Bête" (1946). Her performance in "La Belle et la Bête" is one of her most notable roles, where she played the character of Belle. Cheirel was also a well-known stage actress and performed in various theater productions throughout her career. In addition to her acting work, Cheirel was also a talented painter and sculptor. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 85.
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Lillian Porter
Lillian Porter (February 24, 1917 Alameda County-February 1, 1997 San Bernardino) otherwise known as Lillian Mary Porter or Mousie was an American actor.
Porter began her career as a child actor in the 1920s and appeared in over 40 films throughout her career. She was best known for her work in Hal Roach's "Our Gang" series where she played the character of "Toughie." In addition to her film work, Porter also performed in vaudeville and worked as a choreographer for various productions. After retiring from acting, she became a talent agent and represented actors such as Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood. Porter was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1983 for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
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