Joan Crawford (who is Joan Crawford?)

Joan Crawford was an American film and television actress who began her career as a dancer and stage showgirl. Born Lucille Fay LeSueur on March 23, 1904, in San Antonio, Texas, she rose to become a prominent figure in the Hollywood film industry.

Crawford's career spanned several decades, from the silent film era of the 1920s to the 1970s. She made her film debut in 1925 with a small part in "Lady of the Night" and then signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Her early roles often typecast her as a hardworking young woman who finds romance and success. She soon began to command more significant parts and transformed her image into that of a glamorous and fashionable star.

She established her reputation as a bankable actress with MGM with films such as "Our Dancing Daughters" (1928), which solidified her position as a Jazz Age icon. During the 1930s, she continued to play various characters that ranged from shopgirls to society women, showcasing her versatility. Some of her notable works during this period include "Grand Hotel" (1932) and "Dancing Lady" (1933).

Her career endured ups and downs, and by the mid-1930s, her popularity had begun to wane. However, Crawford made a remarkable comeback with her performance in "Mildred Pierce" (1945) for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. This film noir portrayal of a struggling mother who sacrifices everything for her ungrateful daughter revitalized her career.

Following her Oscar success, Crawford maintained her cinematic presence with performances in various genres including drama, thrillers, and romance. Her films from this time include "Humoresque" (1946), "Possessed" (1947), which earned her another Oscar nomination, and "Sudden Fear" (1952).

Joan Crawford's personal life was also highly publicized. She was married four times, notably to actors Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Franchot Tone, and later to Pepsi-Cola Company chairman Alfred Steele, which led to her post-film career involvement with the company.

In later years, Crawford appeared in television roles but her film career slowed down. She starred in "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" (1962) alongside Bette Davis, where both actresses delivered memorable performances amidst a widely speculated off-screen rivalry.

Her image underwent a contentious posthumous reassessment with the publication of "Mommie Dearest" (1978) by her daughter Christina Crawford, which depicted Crawford as an abusive mother. The book was adapted into a film in 1981 with Faye Dunaway playing Crawford.

After a career spanning 45 years, Joan Crawford passed away on May 10, 1977, from a heart attack. Despite any controversy surrounding her legacy, Crawford is remembered as a significant figure in Classic Hollywood, having appeared in over 80 films and leaving a considerable mark on the entertainment industry. She was also one of the inaugural recipients of the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award in 1973.

For those interested in learning more about Joan Crawford's life and career, a good starting point is the biography "Joan Crawford: The Essential Biography" by Lawrence J. Quirk and William Schoell. The feature documentary "Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star" is also a valuable resource for those interested in seeing a visual representation of her life and career.

Key Sources: - "Joan Crawford: The Essential Biography" by Lawrence J. Quirk and William Schoell - Documentary: "Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star"

Please note that the information presented here is a comprehensive summary of Joan Crawford's life and career, but does not encompass all details or scholarly interpretations of her work and persona.