Date of Birth: September 29, 1904
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: April 6, 1996
Biography
Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson, known professionally as Greer Garson, was a renowned British-American actress celebrated for her performances in Hollywood’s Golden Age. Born on September 29, 1904, in London, England, she was the only child of George Garson and his Scottish wife, Nina (née Nancy Sophia Greer). Garson pursued her education at the University of London, where she earned degrees in French and 18th-century literature. Her acting career began on the London stage, and she eventually caught the eye of MGM’s Louis B. Mayer in 1937, leading to a transition to American cinema. Garson’s breakout role came in 1939 with “Goodbye, Mr. Chips,” which earned her the first of seven Academy Award nominations. She won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in “Mrs. Miniver” (1942), a film that became emblematic of the World War II era and bolstered morale on the home front. Garson was known for her refined elegance, commanding presence, and a distinctive voice, making her a staple in films like “Madame Curie” (1943), “Mrs. Parkington” (1944), and “Blossoms in the Dust” (1941). She was married three times, with her last husband being Texas oilman and horse breeder Buddy Fogelson. Garson retired from acting in the 1980s and focused on philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and the arts. She passed away on April 6, 1996, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 91.
5 Interesting Facts about Greer Garson
1. Greer Garson won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Mrs. Miniver” (1942).
2. She was nominated for seven Academy Awards throughout her career, tying with Bette Davis for the most nominations at the time.
3. Garson holds the record for the longest Oscar acceptance speech, which lasted approximately 5 minutes and 30 seconds.
4. She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1993.
5. Garson was known for her charitable work, particularly her contributions to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Greer Garson
1. “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.”
2. “I think the mirror should be tilted slightly upward when it’s reflecting life—toward the cheerful, the tender, the compassionate, the brave.”
3. “I’ve always been content just to be an actress. I never wanted to direct or produce, and that still holds true.”
4. “I do wish I could tell you my age, but it’s impossible. It keeps changing all the time.”
5. “I remember the last time I cried. It was when I was rehearsing for a stage play, and the director told me I couldn’t cry on cue. It hurt.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Greer Garson was estimated to be around $20 million.
Children
Greer Garson did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [IMDb Profile](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002093/
2. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Greer-Garson
3. [Oscars Profile](https://www.oscars.org/collection-highlights/greer-garson
4. [Find a Grave Memorial](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2096/greer-garson
5. [Texas State Historical Association](https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/garson-greer
