Betty Friedan was an American author and activist who is best known for her work in women’s rights, particularly through her landmark book “The Feminine Mystique.” She also founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) and significantly influenced the feminist movement in the 20th century.
Personal and Family Life
Born as Bettye Naomi Goldstein on February 4, 1921, in Peoria, Illinois, Friedan graduated summa cum laude from Smith College in Massachusetts. She married Carl Friedan in 1947, and the couple had three children before divorcing in 1969. Throughout her life, she was a strong advocate for women’s issues and equality.
Death and Legacy
Betty Friedan passed away on February 4, 2006, in Washington, D.C., due to congestive heart failure, which was also the same day she celebrated her 85th birthday. Her contributions to the feminist movement have left a lasting impact on society, and she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993, commemorating her legacy in advancing women’s rights.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child | Thunder Mountain Woman (voice) |
| 1955 | Camera Three | Self |
| 1974 | Bicentennial Minutes | Self |