Joan Fontaine was an American actress who is best known for her roles in Rebecca, Suspicion, and Letter from an Unknown Woman.
Personal and Family Life
Joan Fontaine was born on October 22, 1917, in Tokyo, Japan, to British parents. She had one sister, Olivia de Havilland, who also became a famous actress. Joan’s parents divorced when she was young, and she moved to California with her mother and sister. While Olivia pursued acting more actively, Joan took some time before diving into her film career.
Career
Joan Fontaine’s acting career began with small roles in films but quickly gained momentum. She received her first Academy Award nomination for her performance in Rebecca (1940) and won an Oscar for her role in Suspicion (1941). Throughout the 1940s, she starred in several notable films, becoming more recognized than her sister. Joan balanced her film work with performances in theater and made a successful transition to television later in her career.
Death and Legacy
Joan Fontaine passed away on December 15, 2013, in Carmel, California, due to natural causes. Her legacy as a talented actress remains significant, and she is remembered for her captivating performances, especially in classic films. Joan’s unique ability to portray delicate women in emotional crises left an indelible mark on the film industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rebecca | 1940-03-23 | Mrs. de Winter |
| Letter from an Unknown Woman | 1948-04-28 | Lisa Berndle |
| Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea | 1961-07-12 | Dr. Susan Hiller |
| Suspicion | 1941-11-14 | Lina McLaidlaw Aysgarth |
| Jane Eyre | 1943-12-24 | Jane Eyre |
| The Constant Nymph | 1943-06-23 | Tessa Sanger |
| Ivy | 1947-06-26 | Ivy |
| The Witches | 1966-11-21 | Gwen Mayfield |