Betty Grable

Date of Birth: December 18, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: July 2, 1973

Biography

Betty Grable, born Elizabeth Ruth Grable on December 18, 1916, in St. Louis, Missouri, was an iconic American actress, singer, and dancer. She was one of the most popular actresses of the 1940s and early 1950s, known for her roles in musical films and her status as a World War II pin-up girl. Grable’s career began in the early 1930s when she appeared in a series of minor roles before achieving stardom with Twentieth Century-Fox. Her breakthrough came with the film “Down Argentine Way” (1940), which showcased her singing and dancing talents. Grable went on to star in a number of successful musicals, including “Moon Over Miami” (1941), “Springtime in the Rockies” (1942), and “Mother Wore Tights” (1947). Her famous pin-up photo, showing her in a bathing suit, became an iconic image for American soldiers during World War II. Grable’s career declined in the 1950s, but she continued to perform in nightclubs and on television. She retired from show business in the late 1950s. Betty Grable passed away from lung cancer on July 2, 1973, in Santa Monica, California.

5 Interesting Facts about Betty Grable

1. Betty Grable’s famous pin-up photo was taken by photographer Frank Powolny and became the most requested photo for soldiers during World War II.

2. She was known for having “the most beautiful legs in Hollywood” and had them insured by her studio for $1,000,000.

3. Grable was married twice, first to actor Jackie Coogan and later to bandleader Harry James, with whom she had two children.

4. She was one of the highest-paid actresses of her time, earning up to $300,000 per year at the peak of her career.

5. Grable received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her contributions to the film industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Betty Grable

1. “With the man the world is his heart, with the woman the heart is her world.”

2. “You’re better off betting on a horse than betting on a man.”

3. “I became a pin-up girl because I had the kind of legs that made soldiers want to carry my picture in their pocket.”

4. “I have got two reasons for success and I’m standing on both of them.”

5. “There are two reasons why I’m in show business, and I’m standing on both of them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of her career, Betty Grable’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million (adjusted for inflation).

Children

Betty Grable had two daughters with her second husband, bandleader Harry James: 1. Victoria Elizabeth James (born March 3, 1944) 2. Jessica James (born May 20, 1947)