Jeanette MacDonald

Jeanette MacDonald, captured here in publicity for DON’T BET ON WOMEN (1931). Born on June 18, 1903, Jeanette began her career at age 6, where she had small roles in theatres and operas. By age 13, she was winning singing contests along the eastern United States. Her talent soon was spotted, and she signed with Paramount early in 1929 to star in "The Love Parade" (1929) with Maurice Chevalier. After making several films at Paramount, Fox and UA, Irving Thalberg convinced her to come to MGM in 1933. Jeanette soon became known as "The Iron Butterfly", for she was one of the most lady-like and beautiful women on the MGM lot, but when it came to her contracts, she was tough and could strike a deal quickly that suited her. In 1935, Jeanette was paired with, Nelson Eddy in "Naughty Marietta" (1935) which was a smash-hit. The pair made eight pictures together, from then on forever known as America's Singing Sweethearts. On June 17, 1937, Jeanette married actor Gene Raymond, in spectacular Hollywood fashion. The marriage lasted 28 years till her death in 1965. After making "Cairo" (1942), Jeanette left MGM to pursue other interests. In 1943, she made her operatic debut in Montreal, Canada and in 1944, she began working in theatre and on stage, starring in such musicals as "The King and I", and gave numerous sold out concerts. In 1948, Jeanette returned to MGM to make her last two films, "Three Daring Daughters" (1948) and "The Sun Comes Up" (1949). The 1950's were spent mainly resting due to her weakening heart although she and Nelson Eddy teamed on television. Their renewed popularity led to a 1958 record album singing their favourite songs. After an arterial transplant in 1963, Jeanette sadly passed away of a heart attack in Houston in 1965.

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