All The Babes
Biography
About Gladys George
Gladys George had a Caucasian complexion and an average build, with a face that could convey deep pathos as well as hard-won worldliness. She was an American actress, born into an acting family on September 13, 1904, in Patten, Maine, while her parents, English actors, were touring with a Shakespearean theater company. Her family formed a vaudeville act, The Three Clares, and she began performing as a child.
George made her Broadway debut as a teenager in 1918, in 'The Betrothal,' and later worked for the famous Broadway star Pauline Frederick. She transitioned to silent films, starting with 'Red Hot Dollars' (1919), and continued with lead and supporting roles. After a severe burn accident delayed her career, she returned to stock and married her first husband, Ben Erway. In 1934, she signed with MGM following a screen test, and her first sound picture was 'Straight Is the Way' (1934), where she played a mouthy bad girl.
Her career peaked with an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for 'Valiant Is the Word for Carrie' (1936), and she starred in 'Madame X' (1937) and as Madame du Barry in 'Marie Antoinette' (1938). She delivered memorable performances in 'The Roaring Twenties' (1939) and 'The Maltese Falcon' (1941), though she was almost unrecognizable in the latter. In 'The Best Years of Our Lives' (1946), she gave a nuanced portrayal of a struggling second wife. Her later years included roles in 'Flamingo Road' (1949) and a few TV appearances. George's lifestyle took a toll on her health, leading to cirrhosis, throat cancer, and heart disease; she died on December 8, 1954, at age 50.
Record
Profile details
Personal
- Died
- Wednesday 8th of December 1954 (age 50)
- Birthplace
- United States
- Ethnicity
- Caucasian
- Sexuality
- Straight
Frequently asked
How did Gladys George start her acting career?
Gladys George was born into an acting family; her parents were English actors touring with a Shakespearean company. By age 3, they formed a vaudeville act called The Three Clares, and she performed with them. She later made her Broadway debut in 1918.
Which film earned Gladys George an Academy Award nomination?
Gladys George's performance as the mother-against-the-world in 'Valiant Is the Word for Carrie' (1936) earned her a Best Actress nomination, though she did not win.
What was Gladys George's connection to 'The Maltese Falcon'?
Gladys George played the widow of the murdered detective Miles Archer in 'The Maltese Falcon' (1941), a role that was small but memorable, appearing in black lace and mourning profiles.
Why did Gladys George's career slow down in the 1940s?
While she continued acting, she spent time on Broadway and appeared in B-films and soap operas, but many roles were considered throwaway compared to her earlier work. Her health also declined due to her lifestyle, including cirrhosis and throat cancer.
What was notable about Gladys George's personal life?
Gladys George had a talent for partying and romance, and she was married four times, each ending in divorce. Her second marriage, to millionaire Edward H. Fowler, ended after he found her with her leading man from a Broadway hit.
Did you know
- Gladys George was born on the road while her parents were touring with a Shakespearean theater company in Patten, Maine.
- Her family act, The Three Clares, was named after her middle name, Clare.
- She made her Broadway debut in 1918 in 'The Betrothal,' which starred Isadora Duncan.
- After a screen test for Paramount, MGM signed her to a contract; her first sound film was 'Straight Is the Way' (1934).
- She was nominated for Best Actress for 'Valiant Is the Word for Carrie' (1936).
- In 'The Roaring Twenties' (1939), she played speakeasy owner Panama Smith, delivering the famous line 'He used to be a big shot' over James Cagney's body.
- Her final notable film role was in 'Flamingo Road' (1949).
- She died in 1954 at age 50, with a stroke listed as the cause, though there was speculation about a possible sleeping pill overdose.
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