Greer Garson

Date of Birth: September 29, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 6, 1996

Biography

Greer Garson was a British-American actress celebrated for her performances in classic Hollywood films during the 1940s and 1950s. Born Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson, she brought a distinct grace and talent to the screen, earning widespread acclaim and numerous awards throughout her career. Garson was born in London and initially pursued a career in education and advertising before transitioning to acting. Her breakthrough came with her role in the 1939 film “Goodbye, Mr. Chips,” for which she received her first Academy Award nomination. She achieved stardom with her role as Mrs. Miniver in the 1942 film of the same name, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress. Garson’s career continued to flourish with memorable roles in films like “Madame Curie” (1943), “Mrs. Parkington” (1944), and “The Valley of Decision” (1945). Known for her dignified and heartfelt performances, she became one of MGM’s most popular stars. Beyond her film career, Garson was active in charitable causes and was honored with various awards for her humanitarian efforts. She retired from acting in the late 1970s and spent her later years in New Mexico, where she passed away in 1996.

5 Interesting Facts about Greer Garson

1. Greer Garson was nominated for seven Academy Awards for Best Actress, winning once for her role in “Mrs. Miniver” (1942).

2. She holds the record for the longest Oscar acceptance speech, which lasted approximately seven minutes.

3. Garson was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1993 for her contributions to the arts and charity.

4. She was married three times; her third husband was Texas oilman and philanthropist E.E. “Buddy” Fogelson.

5. Garson was an advocate for wildlife conservation and supported numerous environmental causes.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Greer Garson

1. “I do wish I could tell you my age but it’s impossible. It keeps changing all the time.”

2. “Starting out to make money is the greatest mistake in life. Do what you feel you have a flair for doing and if you are good enough at it, the money will come.”

3. “I think the mirror should be tilted slightly upward when it’s reflecting life toward the cheerful, the tender, the compassionate, the brave, the funny, the encouraging, all those things and not tilted down to the gutter part of the time, into the troubled vistas of conflict.”

4. “I’m a better person when I have less on my mind.”

5. “I remember her eyes. They were very beautiful, they were so blue, they were violet. They were like pansies.”