did not even attend Betty Grables funeral. But behind closed doors, they hid dark secrets. The film was moderately successful and quickly was followed by Meet Me After the Show (1951), co-starring Macdonald Carey, Rory Calhoun, and Eddie Albert. He had a much more selfish reason to tie the knot. Grable quickly became an acting, singing and dancing triple threat. Betty grable Early life Elizabeth Ruth Grable was born on December 18, 1916 in St. Louis, Missouri. But there is a twist that many people dont know about the photo. But that didnt mean her life was perfector even well-adjusted. [50] She also appeared on Broadway in Hello Dolly in 1967. Grable's last musical film appearance was in Three for the Show (1955) with up-and-coming comedian Jack Lemmon. Her life was an active one, devoid of the scandals that plagued many stars in one way or another. Betty Grable had several nicknames during her career like: "the girl with the million dollar legs," "the quick-silver blonde," "the queen of the Hollywood musical," and "the darling of the forties." One of the hottest summer reads is a showbiz bio that the subject tried to suppress and her ghostwriter never finished. Grable's legs were insured by her studio for $1 million as a publicity stunt. It was one of the highest grossing films of that year. It was later included in the LIFE magazine project "100 Photos that Changed the World". Hyman (born Barbara Davis Sherry, to Davis and her third husband William Grant Sherry), at the time of filming for What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,. What happened to Betty Grable's kids? Her mother was a stubborn and materialistic woman determined to make her daughter a star. [3] Fox cast Grable in a succession of Technicolor musicals during the decade that were immensely popular, co-starring with such leading men as Victor Mature, Don Ameche, John Payne, and Tyrone Power. Grable and Coogan divorced later that same year (October 1939). Her mother made her attend the Hollywood Professional School and learned dancing from the Ernest Blecher Academy. So, how much is Betty Grable worth at the age of 57 years old? In the 1960s, Grable found herself broke and out of the Hollywood studio system that had once rocketed her to fame. They briefly toured on vaudeville and his success boosted hers, but they divorced in 1940. The No.1 pin-up girl of the World War II era, her photograph in a bathing suit pose went on to achieve iconic status and was included in the project "100 Photographs that Changed the World" by the Life magazine. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. [11] Her siblings were Marjorie Lucille Arnold (nee Grable; 19091980) and John Karl "Jackie" Grable (19141916). Betty Mae Grable passed away on March 20, 2014. They had two daughters, Victoria Elizabeth "Vicki" Bivens (born 1944) and Jessica Yahner (1947-2016). [2] She had contracts with RKO and Paramount Pictures during the 1930s, and appeared in a string of B movies, mostly portraying college students. [ 2] Filmografi i urval [ redigera | redigera wikitext] Grable entered into a relationship with a dancer, Bob Remick, several years her junior. The two reportedly remained friends until Grable's death. [62], Her iconic pin-up image was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential Photographs of All Time. The film told the story of two aging vaudeville performers as they look back on their heyday through a series of flashbacks. What are the Physical devices used to construct memories? Born in 1916 in St. Louis the youngest of three children, Elizabeth Ruth Grable started acting at an early age. [34] As her star continued to ascend, Fox chief Darryl F. Zanuck expressed interest in broadening Grable's range as an actress. Half sister of Jerin Timothyray James and Jeffrey James. Grable finally obtained a role as a 'Goldwyn Girl' in Whoopee! As a result, she finds herself "engaged" to just about every guy she dances with. Betty Grable was an entertainer for her entire life. From a disturbingly young age, she suffered from intense fits of sleepwalking as well as a fear of crowds, known as demophobia. Huh, wonder where she got that from. Elizabeth Ruth Grable conhecida como Betty Grable (St. Louis, 18 de dezembro de 1916 - Santa Monica, 2 de julho de 1973) foi uma danarina, cantora e atriz estadunidense.. Participou de mais de 50 filmes, e foi durante a dcada de 1940 uma das atrizes mais bem pagas de Hollywood, fazendo dela uma das estrelas da 20th Century Fox.Ela tambm foi uma das mais populares pin-ups durante a . The U.S. Treasury Department in 1946 and 1947 listed her as the highest-salaried American woman; she earned more than $3 million during her career. They In 1950, Grable made two widely successful films; Wabash Avenue and My Blue Heaven. Many Hollywood stars came to the funeral as well. It's one of the most famous pin-up photos of all time -- Betty Grable, in a tight, one-piece bathing suit, posing with her back to the camera and looking over her shoulder. Track taken from best of Neil Sedaka along with images of who else Betty Grable,This is a simple song sung as only Neil can do it,Superb.If anyone objects to. Although Fox Studios originally signed on Grable, it didnt take them long to find out that she was much younger than she was pretending to be, and much younger than the law allowed. Grable retired from screen acting in 1955 after she withdrew from her Fox contract, but she continued to perform on the stage and on television. contributor's website. In fact, Grable and Monroe got along famously; Grable reportedly told Monroe: "Go and get yours, honey! Despite her success, she suffered from having a fear of crowds and sleepwalking. Her 1951 film Meet Me After the Show was one of the last musicals she appeared in. It was a major box-office success, becoming the fourth-most popular movie of the year.[30][31]. Yet Grable was utterly kind throughout filming, even telling Monroe in front of the crew, Honey, Ive had it. Her mother soon gave her a make-over which included dyeing her hair platinum blonde. The couple divorced in 1965. Directed by H. Bruce Humberstone and produced by William LeBaron, the screenplay was adapted by Robert Ellis, Helen Logan and Earl Baldwin based on a short story titled Imagine Us! Her two daughters Throughout the 1930s, she did seemingly everything there is to do in show business. 'Tochter und mutter' She starred along with Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall as gold-diggers in the 1953 romantic comedy How to Marry a Millionaire. contributor's website. [32] The picture was released as a poster and became the most requested photo for G.I.s stationed overseas. She continued to be popular until the mid-1950s, when musicals went into a decline. 2013. Gambling, smoking, affairs, Betty was far In 1937, Betty married former child star, Jackie Coogan. On July 2, 1973, the American screen legend passed at the tender age of 56, without any chance for a comeback. So, are the people in BETTY GRABLE (1916-73) Ascertaining the level of intimacy in many of Betty Grable's relationships is not easy. View source image It received favorable reviews from most critics and was a box-office success.[42][43]. . The film teamed Grable with her future-husband, Harry James; and also featured Carmen Miranda, in a supporting role. While in Las Vegas, she took the opportunity to begin starring in her own productions, and later productions with her husband Harry James. Grable died July 2, 1973, of lung cancer at age 56 in Santa Monica, California. Though they did not marry, their romance lasted until the end of Grable's life. In 1943, she was the number-one box office draw in the world and, in 1947, she was the highest-paid entertainer in the United States. Grable's final film role was in the comedy film, How to Be Very, Very Popular (1955) with newcomer Sheree North. Most Popular #45061. She is survived by her brother, Bill Hansen, seven children (Bonnie, Betty, Jackie, Billie, Gary, Lary and Lori), 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, two. Yep, that Judy Garland. Grable has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6525 Hollywood Boulevard. In 1955, she did attempt to return to acting in Samuel Goldwyn's film version of Guys and Dolls (1955). She had German, English, Irish, and Dutch ancestry. and the stresses split the couple up by 1939. Well, Raft quickly proved just how tough he was: He beat Grable, who fled from the relationship. Grable stuck in his head so much that when Hefner returned home, he set to work on Playboywith her in mind. In 1952, Grable began renegotiating her contract with Fox. "[9], Elizabeth Ruth Grable was born on December 18, 1916 in St. Louis, Missouri,[10] the youngest of three children of Lillian Rose (ne Hofmann; 18891964) and John Conn Grable (18831954), a stockbroker. Her famous pin-up pose during World War II adorned barracks all around the world. Despite the similarities, it had new songs written and dances choreographed to modernize the film. In a 1940 interview, she said that she was "sick and tired" of show business and had decided to retire, but changed her mind - she received an unsolicited offer to go on a personal appearance tour, which she accepted and which led to Darryl F. Zanuck offering her a bigger contract, which she accepted, and which was followed by a part in Buddy DeSylva's Broadway show Du Barry Was a Lady and a part replacing the suddenly ill Alice Faye in Down Argentine Way. Afterward, Grable wanted the role of Miss Adelaide in the 1956 film Guys and Dolls, but the role went to Vivian Blaine after Grable skipped a meeting with the film's producer, due to the fact that her pet dog was sick. Wait, didnt I say this guy was a, and I quote, rabid gambler? Grables pose in her iconic pin-up photo is now a classic, and she looks over one shoulder, back to camera, in a revealing white bathing suit. She was so insecure, she consistently turned down important movies that would stretch her acting skills, and was particularly wary about starring in movies opposite the most famous male actors. Pin Up Girl co-starred comedians Martha Raye and Joe E. Brown and was released in April 1944 to overwhelming success at the box-office. He had five children (two by Tobin, two by Grable, one by Boyd) and (as of his death) 16 grandchildren. He and Betty Grable were engaged in 1935 and married on November 20, 1937, and they divorced on October 11, 1939. The plot revolved around two showgirls who witness the murder of their fellow performer but do not want to get involved in the investigation. Her second marriage was to trumpeter Harry James in 1943. Grable was particularly noted for having the most beautiful legs in Hollywood and studio publicity widely dispersed photos featuring them. Yet again, rumors swirled about the set environment during the shoot, with many whispering that the two sparring starlets detested each other. The purchase of two pintos put the Jameses in the ranch business. She preferred to star in up-beat and outlandish musicals, many of which followed the generic boy-meets-girl story tack. Moon Over Miami. "[46] How to Marry a Millionaire was a box-office triumph when released, grossing an estimated $8 million. Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? When the couple had their first-born daughter, they named her Victoria Elizabeth, after Grables character in the film Springtime in the Rockies. Recounts the life of one of the greatest movie stars of the 1940s, revealing the dreams and heartbreaks of Betty Grable's career and personal life, from the little girl ruthlessly torn from her family to her years as a cancer patient. Pin Up Girl is a 1944 American Technicolor musical romantic comedy motion picture starring Betty Grable, John Harvey, Martha Raye, and Joe E. Brown.. Betty made her debut as a chorus girl in the film Happy Days in 1929 when she was 12 years old. It co-starred Douglas Fairbanks Jr and originally was directed by Ernst Lubitsch. Grable came to prominence in the Broadway musical DuBarry Was a Lady (1939), which brought her to the attention of 20th Century-Fox. Following Down Argentine Way's major success, Grable was cast opposite Alice Faye in, Tin Pan Alley. In 1947, she starred in the highly popular film, Mother Wore Tights in which she was cast opposite Dan Dailey. Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter. I've had mine! Every item on Calisphere has been contributed to the site by a California institution. Body Measurements Table. Hosiery specialists of the era often noted the ideal proportions of her legs as: thigh (18.5") calf (12"), and ankle (7.5"). Less than a decade later, 20th Century Fox would. Elizabeth Ruth Grable was born on December 18, 1916 in St. Louis, Missouri, to Lillian Rose (Hofmann) and John Conn Grable, a stockbroker. With her mother's guidance, Betty studied ballet and tap dancing.Betty and her mother set out for California with the hopes of stardom. Yeah, she wasthat big. Though Grable received no billing, she led the opening number, "Cowboys." [61], She was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians. Fox, being a bunch of money-grubbing men, staunchly denied Grables request. One particular pose showed Grable's back to the camera as she playfully smiled looking over her right shoulder, with the pose chosen because she was several months pregnant with her first child. Her final movie appearance was in the 1955 comedy How to Be Very, Very Popular which was produced and directed by Nunnally Johnson. To hide her baby hump, she turned her back to the camera, and a legend was born. She once admitted, People talk about my legs as if I were a centipede, ardently wishing that the public would focus more on her acting than her physical assets. Her iconic bathing suit photo made her the number-one pin-up girl of the World War II era. [22], In 1932, she signed a contract with RKO Radio Pictures, and she was assigned to a succession of acting, singing, and dancing classes at the studio's drama school. [14] Their marriage, which lasted for 22 years, was beset by alcoholism and infidelity, and they divorced in 1965. [7] Grable's legs were insured by her studio for $1 million as a publicity stunt. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Grable#Filmography. Grable was voted the number-one box-office draw by American movie exhibitors in 1943; she outranked Bob Hope, Gary Cooper, Greer Garson, Humphrey Bogart, and Clark Gable in popularity. Without Grable's movies, which generated large profits, the studio struggled to stay afloat. father: John Conn Grable (1883-1954) mother: Lillian Rose Hofmann (1889-1964) children: Jessica James, Victoria Elizabeth James Born Country: United States Actresses American Women Height: 5'4" (163 cm ), 5'4" Females Died on: July 2, 1973 place of death: Santa Monica, California, United States She had Dutch, English, German, and Irish ancestry. 1943 was a massive year for Betty Grable: She was the most valuable Hollywood star, ending the year as the top earner at the box office. Look below the item for additional data you may want to include. Grable might have been a successful child performer around her local area, but eventually all this stress caused multiple issues for the little girl. She and Harry James had two daughters: Victoria Elizabeth James (born March 3, 1944) and Jessica James (born May 20, 1947 - March 20, 2016). $15.33 18 Used from $4.19 1 Collectible from $12.47. Grable next starred in Walter Lang's Mother Wore Tights, released in September 1947, co-starring Dan Dailey. The book A House Full of Daughters has a plot set in a small 2006. Grable's last mainstream success for Fox was in How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), with Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall. [49], Grable thereafter found a new career starring in her own act in Las Vegas hotels and with her then husband, musician Harry James. Here's What She Thought About That", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Betty_Grable&oldid=1131562425, United Service Organizations entertainers, Short description is different from Wikidata, TCMDb name template using non-numeric ID from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 4 January 2023, at 18:37. Ex-wife of Harry James and John Leslie "Jackie" Coogan Betty, Harry and the children go out on weekends and live the life of ranch hands. In actuality, though Betty Grable and Alice Faye had never even met each other before shooting began on Tin Pan Alley, the actresses got along famously almost immediately after encountering each other on set. Why was the decision Roe v. Wade important for feminists? On Hallowe'en, she and . She motivated her daughter to sing, dance and act. After her brief stint as an RKO contract player, Grable signed with Paramount Pictures. Death: March 20, 2016 (68) Eugene, Lane County, Oregon, United States. Is it any wonder that growing up too fast had grave consequences? It focuses on the struggles of a mother trying to feed and The film earned more than $3.5 million at the box office and was well received by critics. enamored with themselves. When Grable saw the win, she might have been stung. Uh. In 1943, she collaborated with photographer Frank Powolny for a regular studio photo session. Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? Alice Faye asked Baby band Betty and Harry Betty Grable Betty plays Betty Ritz Betty's billing Billy blonde Bob Remick Broadway career Carol Cast Cesar Romero chorus Conn contract Dailey. Theres no accounting for taste, and theres definitely no accounting for Betty Grable and Harry Jamess taste in baby names. Please let us know if a fact weve published is inaccurate (or even if you just suspect its inaccurate) by reaching out to us at contribute@factinate.com. Elizabeth Ruth Grable was born on December 18, 1916 in St. Louis, Missouri, to Lillian Rose (Hofmann) and John Conn Grable, a stockbroker. Yikes. The shining starlet of Hollywood's Golden Age secured her place as one of America's top pinup . The film was a hit and showcased Grable to the publicjust not for the reasons you may think. It was 1916 - Marjorie was 6 and their little son John had just died. Mother Wore Tights was a major-success (Fox's most successful film of 1947) and is today known as Grable's "signature film.". The 13-year-old became the meal ticket, though she had periods of little success. Elizabeth Ruth "Betty" Grable ( 18. joulukuuta 1916 Saint Louis, Missouri - 2. heinkuuta 1973 Santa Monica, Kalifornia) oli yhdysvaltalainen laulaja, malli, nyttelij ja tanssija. Lorry is a bit of a compulsive liar. Betty was just 13 but her mother arranged for her false identification papers so that she could perform. Hows that for a legacy. July 2 1973 - Los Angeles, California, USA, Dec 18 1916 - St. Louis, Missouri, United States, John Conn Grable, Lillian Rose Grable (born Hoffman), Marjorie Arnold (born Grable), John Karl 'jackie' Grable, Jessica Yahner (born James), Victorie Elizabeth Bivins (born James), Cause of death: Lung cancer - July 2 1973 - Santa Monica, Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California, United States, Between 1946 and 1959 - 603 N Sangamon, Lincoln, Illinois, USA, July 2 1973 - Santa Monica, United States, Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, United States, Inglewood Park Cemetery, Plot: Mausoleum of the Golden West, Sanctuary of Dawn, Crypt A78, Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California, United States, http://www.house.mo.gov/famous.aspx?fm=52, Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California, United States. She started as a child, pushed by her determined stage mother into taking all kinds of dancing and music lessons. Her mother enrolled her from an early age in dance and music classes and in 1929 moved with her to Hollywood, California. While her girl-next-door image has endured through the 21st century, the reality of her dark, dramatic life was anything but ideal. too busy making movies and having affairs to care too much about By the 1950s, Grable was still making films like, Wabash Avenue (1950), Meet Me After the Show (1951), How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), and How to Be Very, Very Popular (1955), her last film. Her funeral occurred two days after her passing away, and both of her ex-husbands, Jackie Coogan and Harry James, attended. Grables lack of belief in her acting abilities came back to haunt her in 1947. Unfortunately, the public did not seem to take notice.The following year, she married former child star Jackie Coogan. She portrayed a burlesque queen in a dance hall in Chicago. This song was introduced in the film by Helen Forrest. The . Grable appeared in her first film made away from Fox in over 15 years Three for the Show (1955) for Columbia Pictures, and the movie featured up-and-coming talents Jack Lemmon and Marge and Gower Champion. Go get yours. On slow days, Lillian would present Betty at casual gatherings and demand that the girl perform for the adults on command. The law at that time required the girls to be over 15 to dance in the chorus. Ultimate Radio Shows. [47][48], After refusing the leading female role in Irving Berlin's There's No Business Like Show Business (1954), Grable again was suspended from her contract. After a string of super hit films like 'Moon over Miami', 'Springtime in the Rockies', and 'Coney Island', she posed for a photograph in her bathing suit showing off her shapely legsthis picture soon achieved iconic status. Her legs were insured for $1,000,000. Among the luminaries attending her funeral were her ex-husband Harry James, Dorothy Lamour, Shirley Booth, Mitzi Gaynor, Johnnie Ray, Don Ameche, Cesar Romero, George Raft, Alice Faye and Dan Dailey.