Date of Birth: December 20, 1898
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: September 4, 1990
Biography
Irene Dunne was an American actress and singer who achieved significant success in Hollywood during the Golden Age of Cinema. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, she initially trained as a singer and aimed for an operatic career. However, after her father’s death, Dunne shifted her focus to acting. She made her Broadway debut in 1922 and transitioned to Hollywood in the early 1930s. Known for her versatility, Dunne excelled in both comedic and dramatic roles, earning five Academy Award nominations over her career. Some of her most notable films include “The Awful Truth” (1937), “Love Affair” (1939), and “I Remember Mama” (1948). Beyond her film career, Dunne was also involved in philanthropic efforts and served on various boards, including the American Red Cross.
5 Interesting Facts about Irene Dunne
1. Irene Dunne was a trained operatic singer before she became an actress, but turned to acting after failing to secure an audition with the Metropolitan Opera.
2. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress five times but never won.
3. Dunne was a devout Catholic and was deeply involved in charitable activities throughout her life.
4. She was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1985 for her contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
5. Irene Dunne was known for her elegance and style, often considered one of Hollywood’s best-dressed women.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Irene Dunne
1. “I’d rather be a good woman in the kitchen than a bad woman in the bedroom.”
2. “I drifted into acting and drifted out. Acting is not everything. Living is.”
3. “I gave up my singing career when I found I could make more money as an actress.”
4. “A career is a wonderful thing, but you can’t snuggle up to it on a cold night.”
5. “I have naturally curly hair, and when I was a little girl, my mother used to put it in rags.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Irene Dunne’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.
Children
Irene Dunne and her husband, Dr. Francis Griffin, adopted a daughter named Mary Frances.
Relevant Links
1. [Irene Dunne on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002050/
2. [Irene Dunne – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_Dunne
4. [Irene Dunne – Turner Classic Movies](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/58136%7C73116/Irene-Dunne/
