Joan Crawford

Date of Birth: March 23, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: May 10, 1977

Biography

Joan Crawford, born Lucille Fay LeSueur on March 23, 1904, in San Antonio, Texas, was an iconic American actress and dancer who became one of Hollywood’s most prominent figures during the Golden Age of cinema. She began her career as a dancer in traveling theatrical companies before transitioning to silent films in the 1920s. Crawford quickly ascended to stardom with her dynamic performances and magnetic screen presence. Crawford’s career spanned five decades, during which she appeared in over 80 films. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film “Mildred Pierce” (1945) and was known for her roles in movies such as “Grand Hotel” (1932), “The Women” (1939), and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962). Her career was marked by her versatility as an actress, her strong work ethic, and her often tumultuous personal life. Off-screen, Crawford was known for her glamorous lifestyle and her four marriages, most notably to actors Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Phillip Terry. She adopted five children, although her relationship with her daughter Christina was notoriously strained, leading to Christina’s controversial memoir “Mommie Dearest.” Crawford retired from acting in the early 1970s and spent her later years in relative seclusion. She passed away on May 10, 1977, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most enduring stars of classic Hollywood cinema.

5 Interesting Facts about Joan Crawford

1. Joan Crawford was originally discovered by MGM after winning a dance contest; her screen test impressed studio executives and launched her film career.

2. She legally changed her birth name from Lucille Fay LeSueur to Joan Crawford after a fan magazine contest sponsored by MGM.

3. Crawford was known for her meticulous attention to her appearance and reportedly followed a strict beauty regimen to maintain her image.

4. She was one of the first actresses to successfully transition from silent films to “talkies,” showcasing her adaptability and talent.

5. Despite her glamorous public persona, Crawford’s personal life was fraught with challenges, including her contentious relationship with her adopted daughter Christina.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joan Crawford

1. “I never go out unless I look like Joan Crawford the movie star. If you want to see the girl next door, go next door.”

2. “Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell.”

3. “If you have an ounce of common sense and one good friend, you don’t need an analyst.”

4. “I think that the most important thing a woman can have—next to talent, of course—is her hairdresser.”

5. “I, Joan Crawford, I believe in the dollar. Everything I earn, I spend.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Joan Crawford’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, which would be equivalent to approximately $20 million today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

Joan Crawford adopted five children throughout her life: Christina Crawford, Christopher Crawford, and twins Catherine (Cathy) and Cynthia (Cindy) Crawford. A fifth adoption was reportedly annulled. Her relationship with Christina and Christopher was particularly troubled, with Christina later writing the memoir “Mommie Dearest,” which painted a harsh picture of Crawford as a mother.