Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford captured in a 1932 glamour sitting by photographer George Hurrell. Crawford was born Lucille Fay LeSueur on March 23, 1904, in San Antonio, Texas. She got her first bit part as a showgirl in “Pretty Ladies” (1925). Throughout 1927 and early 1928, she was cast in small parts, but that ended with the role of Diana Medford in “Our Dancing Daughters” (1928), which elevated her to star status. Her first talkie, “Untamed” (1929), was a huge success. As the 1930s progressed, Crawford became one of the biggest stars at MGM, in top form in films such as “Grand Hotel” (1932), “Sadie McKee” (1934), “No More Ladies” (1935), and “Love on the Run” (1936). Movie patrons were enthralled, although Crawford eventually left MGM for rival studio Warner Bros. In 1945 she landed the role of a lifetime, “Mildred Pierce” (1945), which gave her an opportunity to show her range as an actress. Her performance as a woman driven to give her daughter everything garnered Crawford her first, and only, Oscar for Best Actress. The following year she appeared with John Garfield in the well-received “Humoresque” (1946) and in 1947, she was well received as Louise Graham in “Possessed” (1947). Crawford continued to choose her roles carefully, and in 1952 she was nominated for a third time, for her depiction of Myra Hudson in “Sudden Fear” (1952). Her career slowed after that; she appeared in minor roles until 1962, when she and Bette Davis co-starred in “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962). Their longstanding rivalry may have helped fuel their phenomenally vitriolic and well-received performances. Crawford's final appearance on the silver screen was in a flop called “Trog” (1970). Turning to vodka more and more, she was hardly seen afterwards. On May 10, 1977, the legendary Hollywood icon passed away of a heart attack in New York City, aged 71.

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