Gene Tierney (who is Gene Tierney?)

Gene Tierney was an iconic American film and stage actress. She was born on November 20, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, to a well-to-do family. She was noted for her striking beauty and poised performances, and she became a major star of the 1940s and 1950s. Her acting career is marked by several critically acclaimed performances.

Tierney's first foray into acting was on stage, but she quickly transitioned to film. She signed with 20th Century Fox and made her cinematic debut in the film "The Return of Frank James" (1940), opposite Henry Fonda. Tierney rose to stardom with her performance in "Laura" (1944), where she played the title role opposite Dana Andrews, earning her a place as a leading lady of Hollywood.

Some of her other memorable roles include "Leave Her to Heaven" (1945), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. In this film, Tierney portrayed a femme fatale character, showcasing her versatility. Other notable films in her career include "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" (1947), "Heaven Can Wait" (1943), and "The Razor's Edge" (1946).

Tierney's personal life, however, was marked by tragedy and challenge. She suffered from mental health issues, enduring severe bouts of depression, and later being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She was also known for an incident where her young daughter Daria was born deaf and with severe mental disabilities, which were later attributed to a fan breaking quarantine during her measles infection and kissing Tierney while she was pregnant, unaware of the harm the sickness would cause the unborn child.

She continued to act in both films and television through the 1950s and 1960s, taking a break from acting for a few years to focus on her health. Tierney made a comeback in the 1960s with a few notable roles but eventually retired from acting in the early 1980s.

Her memoir, "Self-Portrait," was published in 1979 and discusses her life experiences, including her career, personal struggles with her health, and her relationships.

Gene Tierney passed away on November 6, 1991, of emphysema in Houston, Texas. Since her death, her work has continued to be celebrated, and she is remembered as one of the most talented and beautiful actresses of her time. For further detailed information on her life and career, you can explore:

• Biography of Gene Tierney on IMDb.
• Profile and filmography on Turner Classic Movies.
• Overview of her career highlights on The Hollywood Reporter. (Search her name to find retrospective articles and biographical essays.)

Please note that the sources provided may not always carry updated information as they are dependent on the availability and update cycles within their respective platforms.