Frances Farmer was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “Come and Get It,” “Rhythm on the Range,” and “The Toast of New York.” Born on September 19, 1913, in Seattle, Washington, she faced a tumultuous career and personal life that ended tragically.
Personal and Family Life
Frances Farmer studied drama at the University of Washington in Seattle before moving to Hollywood in 1935. There, she secured a seven-year contract with Paramount Pictures. Throughout her life, she was married three times—first to Leif Erickson, then Alfred Lobley, and finally Leland Mikesell. Sadly, she had no children.
Career Highlights
Frances gained significant fame in the 1930s and 1940s but faced challenges in her personal life that affected her career. In 1943, she was wrongfully declared mentally incompetent and committed to a series of mental hospitals. After her release seven years later, she worked various odd jobs and even hosted her own television show, “Frances Farmer Presents,” from 1958 to 1964.
Death and Legacy
Frances Farmer died on August 1, 1970, from esophageal cancer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her life and struggles were later portrayed in the film “Frances” (1982), where Jessica Lange received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Farmer. Frances Farmer’s story continues to resonate, and she was also featured in various songs and plays.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Among the Living | 1941-12-12 | Elaine Raden |
| Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake | 1942-01-29 | Isabel |
| Rhythm on the Range | 1936-07-01 | Doris Halliday |
| The Toast of New York | 1937-07-22 | Josie Mansfield |
| Come and Get It | 1936-11-06 | Lotta Morgan / Lotta Bostrom |
| Badlands Of Dakota | 1941-09-15 | Calamity Jane |
| Flowing Gold | 1940-08-24 | Linda Chalmers |
| The Party Crashers | 1958-09-01 | Mrs. Bickford |
| Too Many Parents | 1936-03-19 | Sally Colman |
| South of Pago Pago | 1940-07-19 | Ruby Taylor |
| Ebb Tide | 1937-11-17 | Faith Wishart |
| Exclusive | 1937-08-06 | Vina Swain |
| Ride a Crooked Mile | 1938-12-09 | Trina |
| World Premiere | 1941-08-21 | Kitty Carr |
| Border Flight | 1936-05-29 | Anne Blane |
| Studio One | 1948-11-07 | |
| Frances Farmer Presents | 1958-10-13 | Host |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| Studio One | 1948-11-07 | Laura Nelson |
| Studio One | 1948-11-07 | Sarah Walker |