Susan Hayward: A Brief Introduction
Susan Hayward was an American actress who was born on June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. She was known for her exceptional acting skills and her ability to portray complex and strong-willed characters on the big screen. During her career, she appeared in over 50 films and was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one for her role in the 1958 film, “I Want to Live!”. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Susan Hayward’s life, career, and legacy.
Susan Hayward’s Early Life and Career
Susan Hayward was born as Edythe Marrenner to Walter Marrenner and Ellen Pearson in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in a working-class family and had to work various odd jobs to support herself. She later changed her name to Susan Hayward and began her acting career in New York City, working as a model and appearing in several Broadway productions. Her breakthrough role came in the 1937 film, “The Road to Reno”, which led to a contract with Warner Bros. Studios.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Susan Hayward appeared in several successful films, including “Smash-Up, the Story of a Woman” (1947), “My Foolish Heart” (1949), and “With a Song in My Heart” (1952), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She continued to act in films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, but her career was cut short due to health issues.
Susan Hayward’s Personal Life and Children
Susan Hayward was married twice in her lifetime. Her first marriage was to actor Jess Barker in 1944, and the couple had two children together, twin boys named Gregory and Timothy. The marriage ended in divorce in 1954. She later married Eaton Chalkley in 1957, but the marriage ended in 1966.
Susan Hayward was a devoted mother to her children, and her son Gregory Barker followed in her footsteps and became an actor. He appeared in several films and television shows in the 1970s and 1980s, but sadly passed away in 1990 at the age of 42 due to complications from AIDS.
Susan Hayward’s Legacy and Filmography
Susan Hayward was one of the most talented actresses of her time and left a lasting impact on Hollywood. She was known for her strong and independent characters and her ability to bring depth and emotion to her roles. Her legacy continues to live on through her films, which are still celebrated and admired by audiences today.
Some of Susan Hayward’s most notable films include “I Want to Live!” (1958), “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” (1952), “David and Bathsheba” (1951), and “The Conqueror” (1956). Her last film was “The Revengers” (1972), which was released two years before her death.
Susan Hayward’s Death and Last Picture
Susan Hayward passed away on March 14, 1975, at the age of 57 due to complications from brain cancer. Her death was a great loss to the film industry and her fans. Her last picture was taken on her deathbed, and it is a haunting reminder of the toll that cancer can take on the human body. Despite her illness, Susan Hayward remained strong and dignified until the very end, and her legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.