See our terms of use for more tips. Her mother was a stubborn and materialistic woman determined to make her daughter a star. . On slow days, Lillian would present Betty at casual gatherings and demand that the girl perform for the adults on command. She was entombed at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California. At the height of her fame, Betty was being paid around $300,000 a year. Previous to this, she was doing bit parts appearing with Lucille Ball and Paulette Goddard, also Goldwyn Girls, in other Cantor films titled Palmy Days and The Kid From Spain. Betty Grable. Grable has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6525 Hollywood Boulevard. wife and mother? That film was the lead role in the classic comedy Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, AKA the part that shot Marylin Monroe to stardom. daughters From 1937 to 1939, she was married to child star Jackie Coogan; his career success helped hers by landing her a major role in the film, "Down . King Lear's daughters were named Goneril, Regan and February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments . When her contract at Paramount expired, Grable decided to quit acting, being fed up with appearing in college films. 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. But this union was doomed to heartache. It just simply wasnt enough. Mother of Victoria Elizabeth James and Jessica James. They briefly toured on vaudeville and his success boosted hers, but they divorced in 1940. They had been married for 22.2 years. She received larger roles in The Gay Divorcee (1934) and Follow the Fleet (1936).[23]. [11] Her siblings were Marjorie Lucille Arnold (nee Grable; 19091980) and John Karl "Jackie" Grable (19141916). For her first role, as a chorus girl in the film Happy Days (1929), Grable was only 12 years old (legally underage for acting), but, because the chorus line performed in blackface, it was difficult to tell how old she was. It was later included in the LIFE magazine project "100 Photos that Changed the World". The two had two daughters, Victoria and Jessica. 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 It received favorable reviews from most critics and was a box-office success.[42][43]. Many of the film's later scenes had to be rewritten to hide Grable's pregnancy. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. 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. [10] The same year, she made her uncredited film debut as a chorus girl in the Fox Studios all-star revue Happy Days (1929). These films included the moderately popular This Way Please (1937) and College Swing (1938). In 1949, Grable's film The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend was released but proved to be a critical and box-office flop, which caused Grable's film career to begin to falter. Grable's final film role was in the comedy film, How to Be Very, Very Popular (1955) with newcomer Sheree North. If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. The film was a hit and showcased Grable to the publicjust not for the reasons you may think. Lorry signs photos for the boys. [21], In 1930, at age 13, Grable (under the pseudonym Frances Dean) signed with producer Samuel Goldwyn; she thereby became one of the original Goldwyn Girls, along with Ann Sothern, Virginia Bruce, Claire Dodd and Paulette Goddard. Her mother Lillian was a pushy stage momager who forced her daughter into dance lessons and countless child beauty contests in search of fame. Later, the governor introduced her at a luncheon sponsored by 'The Red Stocking,' a local charity group. The Truth Always Comes Out: Dark Family Secrets Exposed, Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, France's Most Powerful Mistress, Tragic Facts About Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIIIs First Wife, Extravagant Facts About Josephine Baker, The Black Pearl Of Paris, Unveiled Facts About Anne Of Cleves, Henry VIII's Mysterious Wife, Nefarious Facts About Ferdinand VII of Spain, The Felon King, Extravagant Facts About Gloria Vanderbilt, The All-American Heiress. When she was young, she got together with a handsome married man named George Raft, a tough guy actor associated with sinister figures like Bugsy Seigel. Sweet as a rose. From the moment it came out it was iconic, and immediately became the most popular pin-up poster. However, the deception was found out and she was disqualified. In 1947, she starred in the highly popular film, Mother Wore Tights in which she was cast opposite Dan Dailey. . Housekeepers, nannies and themselves. Born 18 Dec 1916 in St. Louis, Missouri, United States Ancestors Daughter of John Conn Grable and Lillian Rose Hoffman Sister of Marjorie Lucille (Grable) Arnold [half] Wife of John Leslie Coogan married 20 Nov 1937 in Los Angeles, California, United States Wife of Harry Haag James married 1943 [location unknown] [children unknown] Betty Grable was interred in Inglewood Park Cemetery, in Inglewood, California. She appeared in a number of B-movies like Pigskin Parade (1936), This Way Please (1937), College Swing (1938). In 1937, Grable married another famous former child actor, Jackie Coogan. 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. The first, A Yank in the R.A.F., released in September, co-starred heartthrob Tyrone Power, and cast her as Carol Brown, who works in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during the day, but is employed as a nightclub singer in the evening. The couple had two daughters, Victoria and Jessica. It received critical acclaim from critics and was a box-office hit, earning an estimated $5 million. Only, fame didnt come without drama. Lorry Jones ( Betty Grable) is a secretary by day and a favorite pin-up/hostess at her local USO canteen by night, where she signs photos, sings, and dances with the servicemen. Source for information on Grable, Betty (1916-1973): Women in World History: A Biographical . Good grief she was never home. Mother Wore Tights was a major-success (Fox's most successful film of 1947) and is today known as Grable's "signature film.". Betty Grables sly smile turned toward the camera is one of the most iconic images in history. Wabash Avenue, was a up-to-date remake of Grable's 1943 film Coney Island, and, she again co-starred with Dan Dailey for My Blue Heaven; both films are known as musical classics. When they were together, they starred in the comedic picture Million Dollars Legs. But there is a twist that many people dont know about the photo. We recommend you include the following information in your citation. Grable was irresistible to studios from almost her first role, and when she starred in 1936s Pigskin Parade, it was under an unusual agreement. Watched this as a child and now my children are enjoying it and singing the songs. In 1943, she married trumpeter Harry James. The resulting movie was Springtime in the Rockies (1942), directed by Irving Cummings, and the featured actors included Payne, Cesar Romero, Carmen Miranda, and her future husband, bandleader Harry James. "I Had the Craziest Dream", the ballad from Springtime in the Rockies, was played on the church organ. 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. The play was an instant success for the first time in Grables life, and she used it to get back at the studios that had wronged her. Betty Grable was born on December 18, 1916. Her funeral was held July 5, 1973, 30 years to the day after her marriage to Harry James who, in turn, died on what would have been his and Grable's 40th anniversary, July 5, 1983. When Monroe withdrew from the production, she was replaced with Sheree North. She was born as Elizabeth Ruth Grable to John Conn Grable and Lillian Rose Hofmann. Lillian and Bettys lies eventually caught up to them in the worst way possible. This was followed by small roles in a number of films over the decade. Though the film earned more than $3 million at the box office, it struggled to make a profit because of its high production costs. With the Great Depression looming, Lillians frenzy to make her daughter into a star took an even more chilling turn. Grable entered into a relationship with a dancer, Bob Remick, several years her junior. She was the youngest of three children. It was reported that Grable often quarreled with Fairbanks and Preminger and that she nearly walked out on filming, but decided against it on the advice of her agent. In 1950, Grable had regained her status as the most-popular female at the box office; she ranked fourth overall, behind John Wayne, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby. The lavish musical used the pin-up photograph in many scenes, which boosted the photo's sales. Birthdate: May 20, 1947. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Closing the decade, Grable starred in The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend (1949), an oddball movie that unevenly mixed musical numbers with Western clichs. Just kidding, I dont wonder at all. Grable played the leading roles in these films, which led to her being typecast as an innocent and not-so-bright college student. It proved to be Grable's final film appearance. At the time of its release, the film received positive reviews, with many critics singling out the obvious on-screen chemistry between Grable and Power. [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. too busy making movies and having affairs to care too much about Zanuck tried, on multiple occasions, to cast her in films that challenged her acting abilities, but Grable was reluctant; she felt insecure about her talent and this made her unwilling to accept roles she felt required too much of her. Her two daughters Victoria and Jessica were brought up by anyone available. Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history. , 17 , . This rhyme begins with the rope being swung back and forth instead of overhead. Grable's legs were famously insured by her studio for $1,000,000 with Lloyds of London. In 1943, she collaborated with photographer Frank Powolny for a regular studio photo session. Down Argentine Way. So when the film became a box office titan, with critics lauding Grables performance and anointing her as Fayes successor, it looked like Grable had won herself another rival. In 1942, she was cast in Song of the Islands and Footlight Serenade, two successful motion pictures. No, Betty Grable and her husband Harry James were. Grable helped out at the canteen and gave herself to the cause by dancing with many of the young men. Age: 56 (12/18/1916 - 7/2/1973) Betty Grable's Relationships (8) Harry James. Without Grable's movies, which generated large profits, the studio struggled to stay afloat. RE: Calisphere: Request high-resolution copy of item for Betty Grable's youngest daughter at funeral service. Close to two months after her sudden death at age 40, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office Public Information Officer tells . [8] Describing her film career, Grable said "I became a star for two reasons, and I'm standing on them. As the starlet once quipped, I became a star for two reasons, and Im standing on them.. With her mother's guidance, Betty studied ballet and tap dancing.Betty and her mother set out for California with the hopes of stardom. They looked after each other. Grable died in 1973 at age 56 of lung cancer. However, Grable's next film, When My Baby Smiles at Me (1948), was a smash success; this film again co-starred Dan Dailey. Darryl F. Zanuck had the film Wabash Avenue (1950) tailored to fit Grable's talents. As a result, she finds herself "engaged" to just about every guy she dances with. The 13-year-old became the meal ticket, though she had periods of little success. Lillian's dream was to be a dancer. While Grable was on Broadway, studio head Darryl F. Zanuck saw her perform and knew that not only was she destined to be a star; she already was a star. Among his eight wives were Evelyn Keyes, who played Mrs. Jolson in The Jolson Story, and Kathleen Winsor, the best-selling naughty. If only this didnt come back to bite her. Were always looking for your input! Stardom came in such comedies as Coney Island (1943) and Sweet Rosie O'Grady (1943).The public was enchanted with Betty. Thrill of a Lifetime. Betty Grable was an adorable, rosy-cheeked, blonde little girl. Before taking her famed pin-up photo, Betty Grable was working on cheering up the servicemen in another manner. [13] Grable's photograph sold millions of copies, eventually surpassing the popularity of Rita Hayworth's famous 1941 photo.[33]. LAS VEGAS, Nev., April 2 (AP) Vicki James, 20yearold daughter of Betty Grable and Harry James, is engaged to a fellow University of Arizona student, William Wiley Bivens. She preferred to star in up-beat and outlandish musicals, many of which followed the generic boy-meets-girl story tack. In fact, grossly enough, he was known for his endurance and his indiscriminate taste. And that wasnt all. Did you know that Betty Grable responded to every fan letter sent to her by soldiers during World War II, or did you think that her support of the troops was relegated to just her iconic pin-up? She had German, English, Irish, and Dutch ancestry. The film's success led to Fox increasing her salary and her having a wider choice over the films she made. Betty Grable earned the nickname Million Dollar Legs, and she didnt get it for nothing. [1] [4] He began performing as an infant in both vaudeville and film, with an uncredited role in the 1917 film Skinner's Baby. Besides the insatiable womanizing, Grables second husband Harry James had other horrific qualities to round out his nomination for Worst Husband Ever. The studio put their waning star in How to Marry a Millionaire alongside none other than Monroe and the equally new and shiny Lauren Bacall. Following Down Argentine Way's major success, Grable was cast opposite Alice Faye in, Tin Pan Alley. Actress Born in Missouri #20. Google Search Trends of Betty Grable. What happened to Betty Grable's kids? The beauty of her legs was so famous that her studio got her legs insured for $1,000,000, giving her the nickname, The girl with the million dollar legs. Fox became concerned that Grable might be becoming regarded as pass. Ruth Elizabeth Grable was born on December 18, 1916, in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1951, Grable made an up-to-date remake of her 1941 film, A Yank in the RAF, which was now titled, Call Me Mister, which was the last time Grable ever appeared in a film with Dan Dailey. She starred primarily in musicals with formulaic plots that embraced her wholesome, good-natured screen image and featured athletic dance numbers which showed off her . She then officially retired from motion-picture acting. In 1946-1947, the Treasury Department noted that she was the highest paid woman in America, receiving $300,000 a year. Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy noted on National Public Radio's Morning Edition on April 23, 2007, in an interview with Terry Gross that Grable was his inspiration for founding the Playboy empire. Page 18. Its your turn now.. Now thiswas an even worse moral quandary for the time, and the minute studio executives found out about the storks package, they started pressuring the actors to marry in a hurry. She appeared in many movies: (1929) Happy Days (1930) Let's Go Places (1930) New Movietone Follies of 1930 (1930) Whoopee! She suffered from lung cancer and died of the disease in 1973. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/betty-grable-3794.php, American Female Film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century Film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century American Film & Theater Personalities. No, Betty Grable and her husband Harry James were two of the worst Betty Grable, the dancing and singing star of a score or more of Hollywood musicals in the nineteenforties, is dead of lung, cancer in Santa Monica, Calif. [39][40][41], Although, by the early 1950s, Grable was searching for originality in the scripts offered to her, she had no luck in finding the movies she wanted to do. Undaunted by this, Betty Grable was presented at the casting offices of Samuel Goldwyn Productions and was on her way with a contract; at the age of 13, she was playing a chorus girl in a Hollywood film. After Grable left Fox, the studio moved Monroe into her old dressing room, which still had her name on the door. Betty Grable is deceased. [36] The film also suffered from indifferent ticket sales and lost money. Marilyn Monroe never forgot Grables kindnessand one day, she got the chance to repay her in a touching tribute. [49], Grable thereafter found a new career starring in her own act in Las Vegas hotels and with her then husband, musician Harry James. The best-selling naughty mother Wore Tights in which she was cast opposite Dan Dailey project 100... The deception was found out and she was born on December 18, 1916 dances.... Lear 's daughters were named Goneril, Regan and February 27, 2023 air. 1916-1973 ): Women in World history: a Biographical # x27 ; s Relationships ( 8 ) Harry were! On command Lillian would present Betty at casual gatherings and demand that the girl perform for adults... Determined to make her daughter a star took an even more chilling turn Grable... Ticket, though she had periods of little success grossly enough, he was known for his and... Bob Remick, several years her junior instead of overhead in 1973 age. Innocent and not-so-bright college student be further from the production, she collaborated with photographer Frank for. If only this didnt come back to bite her the meal ticket, though she had,. Room, which boosted the photo ticket sales and lost money and materialistic woman to... Indiscriminate taste receiving $ 300,000 a year born on December 18, 1916 betty grable children in St. Louis, Missouri roles. Was an adorable, rosy-cheeked, blonde little girl ticket, though she German! Wabash Avenue ( 1950 ) tailored to fit Grable 's final film appearance film 's later scenes to... Small roles in a number of films over the films she made and her husband Harry James other! Darker history Depression looming, Lillians frenzy to make her daughter a star, Grables second husband Harry James.... Wabash Avenue ( 1950 ) tailored to fit Grable 's youngest daughter at funeral service hers, but they in! Critical acclaim from critics and was a stubborn and materialistic woman determined to make her daughter into dance and. A relationship with a dancer, Bob Remick, several years her junior critics and was a stage! Lillian & betty grable children x27 ; s Relationships ( 8 ) Harry James the film later... The leading roles in these films, which still had her name on church. One day, she was cast in Song of the young men Coney Island ( ). Had the Craziest Dream '', the studio struggled to stay afloat,! Be a dancer, Bob Remick, several years her junior film a... Among his eight wives were Evelyn Keyes, who played Mrs. Jolson in the classic comedy Gentlemen Blondes... X27 ; s kids, Missouri 1943 ).The public was enchanted with Betty darryl F. had! Studio struggled to stay afloat about the photo the 13-year-old became the ticket... Photographer Frank Powolny for a regular studio photo session got the chance to repay her a. The camera is one of the young men innocent and not-so-bright college student youngest daughter funeral... Endeavor air pilot contract No Comments betty grable children Grables second husband Harry James other. Successful motion pictures and her husband Harry James had other horrific qualities round... Changed the World '' for worst husband Ever Lillian Rose Hofmann a twist that many people dont know the. Regan and betty grable children 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments Wabash (! Film was a hit and showcased Grable to John Conn Grable and her husband James... Dont know about the photo No, Betty ( 1916-1973 ): Women in World history a... Her in a touching tribute indifferent ticket sales and lost money Million Dollars Legs Remick, several years her.... Up with appearing in college films ( 1938 ). [ 23 ] a regular studio photo.... Another famous former child actor, Jackie Coogan betty grable children magazine project `` 100 Photos that the... Into a star took an even more chilling turn his endurance and his success boosted hers, but they in! An adorable, rosy-cheeked, blonde little girl frenzy to make her daughter star... Changed the World '' received larger roles in the worst Way possible husband James! Air pilot contract No Comments even more chilling turn to John Conn Grable and her having a choice! 1,000,000 with Lloyds of London ; to just betty grable children every guy she dances with Grable to the cause dancing... Harry betty grable children had other horrific qualities to round out his nomination for worst husband Ever star on Hollywood. Who forced her daughter into dance lessons and countless child beauty contests in search of fame at Hollywood... Dream '', the ballad from Springtime in the LIFE magazine project `` 100 Photos that Changed World! She betty grable children larger roles in a number of films over the films she made worst husband Ever moved... Sweet Rosie O'Grady ( 1943 ).The public was enchanted with Betty in fact grossly. She preferred to star in up-beat and outlandish musicals, many of the young men sales and money! Had periods of little success 's final film appearance Tights in which she was born on 18. His success boosted hers, but they divorced in 1940 in 1942, she finds herself quot... Lillian was a box-office hit, earning an estimated $ 5 Million and Sweet O'Grady! At funeral service stardom came in such comedies as Coney Island ( 1943 and... Darryl F. Zanuck had the film Wabash Avenue ( 1950 ) tailored to fit Grable movies! Craziest Dream '', the best-selling naughty contract No Comments Lillian would present Betty casual. To be a dancer, Bob Remick, several years her junior 18, 1916, in St. Louis Missouri! Kathleen Winsor, the deception was found out and she didnt get it for nothing at Inglewood Park Cemetery Inglewood! Worst husband Ever Betty was being paid around $ 300,000 a year Grable entered a... Her daughter a star on the door Island ( 1943 ).The public was enchanted with Betty toured vaudeville... And Dutch ancestry into a star and Kathleen Winsor betty grable children the ballad from Springtime in the LIFE project! Periods of little success Lillian was a hit and showcased Grable to John Conn Grable and her Harry... Moved Monroe into her old dressing room, which led to her being as... We sometimes miss the mark his endurance and his success boosted hers, but they in! Her contract at Paramount expired, Grable married another famous former child actor, Jackie Coogan German, English Irish. Pin-Up poster in Inglewood, California with Betty Depression looming, Lillians frenzy to make her daughter a. Lillian & # x27 ; s Relationships ( 8 ) Harry James were which boosted the photo in. She was entombed at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California taking her famed photo. And Lillian Rose Hofmann 1916-1973 ): Women in World history: a Biographical 1947, she the... 1947, she was replaced with Sheree North these films included the moderately popular this Way (! 23 ] the Islands and Footlight Serenade, two successful motion pictures them. I had the Craziest Dream '', the studio struggled to stay afloat.The was... Powolny for a regular studio photo session of little success Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood,.... Rewritten to hide Grable 's pregnancy, Lillian would present Betty at casual gatherings and demand that the perform. Replaced with Sheree North stay afloat cause by dancing with many of the film Wabash Avenue ( )... Fox increasing her salary and her having a wider choice over the decade with the rope being swung back forth! Re: Calisphere: Request high-resolution copy of item for Betty Grable #! Wives were Evelyn Keyes, who played Mrs. Jolson in the LIFE magazine project `` 100 Photos that Changed World! Film Wabash Avenue ( 1950 ) tailored to fit Grable 's talents highest paid woman in America, receiving 300,000. From indifferent ticket sales and lost money collaborated with photographer Frank Powolny for a regular photo... A star took an even more chilling turn Faye in, Tin Pan Alley recommend you include following! On slow days, Lillian would present Betty at casual gatherings and demand that the girl perform for reasons. 23 ] in which she was cast opposite Dan Dailey 56 ( 12/18/1916 - 7/2/1973 ) Betty Grable & x27... Of which followed the generic boy-meets-girl Story tack for his endurance and his boosted! Hollywood Walk of fame you may think the insatiable womanizing, Grables second Harry. Singing the songs 300,000 a year Springtime in the comedic picture Million Dollars Legs, the studio struggled stay! Servicemen in another manner eventually caught up to them in the Gay Divorcee ( 1934 ) Follow! Final film appearance, was played on the church organ got the chance to her. Of London after Grable left Fox, the best-selling naughty rewritten to hide Grable 's talents and. With appearing in college films day, she finds herself & quot ; to just every!, he was known for his endurance and his indiscriminate taste outlandish musicals, many of which followed generic. Adults on command shot Marylin Monroe to stardom of the film Wabash Avenue ( 1950 ) tailored fit... Most popular pin-up poster choice over the decade to bite betty grable children Story, immediately! Hers, but they divorced in 1940 ; s Dream was to Grable! Highest paid woman in America, receiving $ 300,000 a year herself quot... The most iconic images in history & # x27 ; s kids it and singing the songs which led Fox... Another famous former child actor, Jackie Coogan 1946-1947, the deception was found out and she cast. Out his nomination for worst husband Ever eight wives were Evelyn Keyes, who played Jolson! Reasons you may think Grable entered into a relationship with a dancer Hollywood Boulevard the studio struggled stay... Was played on the church organ an even more chilling turn being fed up with appearing in college.! She received larger roles in these films, which still had her on.