Jane Wyman

Date of Birth: January 5, 1917

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: September 10, 2007

Biography

Jane Wyman was an acclaimed American actress, singer, dancer, and philanthropist whose career spanned over seven decades. Born as Sarah Jane Mayfield, she began her career in the entertainment industry in the 1930s and gained significant fame and recognition in the 1940s and 1950s. Wyman won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film “Johnny Belinda” (1948), where she played a deaf-mute rape victim, showcasing her incredible range and emotional depth. Throughout her career, she appeared in numerous successful films and television series, including “The Lost Weekend” (1945), “All That Heaven Allows” (1955), and the long-running TV series “Falcon Crest” (1981-1990). Her portrayal of Angela Channing in “Falcon Crest” earned her a Golden Globe Award and cemented her status as a television icon. Jane Wyman was also known for her brief marriage to Ronald Reagan, who would later become the 40th President of the United States. Despite their divorce, she maintained a dignified silence about their relationship and was respected for her grace and professionalism.

5 Interesting Facts about Jane Wyman

1. Jane Wyman was the first wife of Ronald Reagan, and they were married from 1940 to 1948.

2. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Johnny Belinda” (1948), becoming one of the few actors to win an Oscar for a non-speaking role.

3. Wyman was a skilled singer and had a brief career in music, releasing a few singles in the 1940s.

4. She was highly regarded for her versatility, successfully transitioning from film to television later in her career.

5. Despite her long career in Hollywood, she was known for her private nature and rarely gave interviews.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jane Wyman

1. “The opportunity for brotherhood presents itself every time you meet a human being.”

2. “I guess I just don’t have a talent for talking about myself.”

3. “It’s not what you achieve, it’s what you overcome. That’s what defines your career.”

4. “I didn’t think I could be an actress, but I thought I could try.”

5. “I’m a very private person, and I have never wanted to be a celebrity. I believe in my profession and its importance to society, but I don’t think that makes me special.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Jane Wyman’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million.

Children

Jane Wyman had three children: 1. Maureen Reagan (1941-2001) – Actress and political activist. 2. Michael Reagan (born 1945) – Political commentator, adopted son with Ronald Reagan. 3. Christine Reagan (1947) – Born prematurely and died shortly after birth.