Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford was an American actress who is best known for Mildred Pierce, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, and Grand Hotel. She was born Lucille Fay LeSueur on March 23, 1906, in San Antonio, Texas, and passed away on May 10, 1977, in New York City, New York.

Personal and Family Life

Joan Crawford was born to Thomas E. LeSueur and Anna Belle Johnson. As a child, her parents divorced, and she had to adapt to a difficult life with multiple stepfathers. Despite these challenges, she discovered her talent for dancing and sought to make a name for herself in show business. She later had four children, including Christina Crawford, who would go on to write a controversial book about her mother.

Career

Crawford began her career as a chorus dancer in Hollywood and quickly moved to acting, achieving fame in the late 1920s. She successfully transitioned to talkies and became a significant star at MGM in the 1930s. Some of her most memorable films include Mildred Pierce, for which she won an Oscar. However, her career faced ups and downs, with a notable rivalry with fellow actress Bette Davis influencing some of her later performances.

Death and Legacy

Joan Crawford died of a heart attack on May 10, 1977, at the age of 71. She left behind a mixed legacy, with her career celebrated for its achievements and tarnished by the revelations in Christina’s book, “Mommie Dearest.” Despite the controversies, she remains an iconic figure in film history and is buried alongside Judy Garland in New York.

Filmography