They were totally Her mother Lillian was a pushy stage momager who forced her daughter into dance lessons and countless child beauty contests in search of fame. As the starlet once quipped, I became a star for two reasons, and Im standing on them.. However, the deception was found out and she was disqualified. Born in South St. Louis, Missouri, Betty was the younger of two daughters born to Leon Grable, an accountant who later became a stockbroker, and Lillian Hoffman Grable , a frustrated actress who channeled her own desire for a show-business career into her younger daughter. The play was an instant success for the first time in Grables life, and she used it to get back at the studios that had wronged her. Over the next few years, however, she was again relegated to uncredited minor roles in a series of films, many of which became worldwide successes, such as Cavalcade (1933). But this led to one utterly harrowing story. Her parents were Lillian Rose and John Conn Grable. She was chosen for the chorus in Lets Go Places. contributor's website. Grables pose in her iconic pin-up photo is now a classic, and she looks over one shoulder, back to camera, in a revealing white bathing suit. She reluctantly agreed to make Call Me Mister (1951) with Dan Dailey, a loose musical remake of A Yank in the R.A.F.. But there is a twist that many people dont know about the photo. Zanuck tried, on multiple occasions, to cast her in films that challenged her acting abilities, but Grable was reluctant; she felt insecure about her talent and this made her unwilling to accept roles she felt required too much of her. Thanks for your help! Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? Betty Grable earned the nickname Million Dollar Legs, and she didnt get it for nothing. Reams have been written about Miss Betty Grable the star. She was entered in multiple beauty contests, many of which she won or for which she achieved considerable attention. Betty Grable. In 1937, Betty married former child star, Jackie Coogan. Reportedly, one US fighter perished with Grables famous photograph clutched right in his hand, as if Americas Sweetheart could somehow save him. Although the press hinted that a tense behind-the-scenes rivalry existed between the two actresses, they both denied it, claiming to be good friends. Nicknamed Betty as a child, she was pressured by her mother to become a performer. The 1942 classic Springtime in the Rockies was a hit for everyone involved, but Grable got a lot more than box-office moolah out of the dealshe also got steamy romance. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. on Realizing her time was done, Grable stepped away from the limelight in 1955and went straight to her demise. Betty Grable, byname of Ruth Elizabeth Grable, (born December 18, 1916, St. Louis, Mo., U.S.died July 2, 1973, Santa Monica, Calif.), American film actress and dancer who was one of the leading box office draws of the 1940s. Betty Grablewas born onDecember 18, 1916, in St. Louis, Missourias the youngest child of Lillian Rose (ne Hofmann) and John Charles Grable. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The biggest box office star of the 1940s and the most desired WWII pin-up girl, acting-singing-dancing triple-threat Betty Grable became the stuff of Hollywood legend after her studio reportedly . She and Harry James had two daughters: Victoria Elizabeth James (born March 3, 1944) and Jessica James (born May 20, 1947 - March 20, 2016). Her husband is Harry James (5 July 1943 - 9 October 1965) ( divorced) ( 2 children), Jackie Coogan (20 November 1937 - 8 October 1940) ( divorced) Betty Grable Net Worth Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2020-2021. Hosiery specialists of the era often noted the ideal proportions of her legs as: thigh (18.5") calf (12"), and ankle (7.5"). Grable quickly became an acting, singing and dancing triple threat. During World War II, GI locker doors and warship . The daughter of a highly ambitious woman, Betty was groomed for stardom from a very young age. The film's success led to Fox increasing her salary and her having a wider choice over the films she made. It was reported that Grable often quarreled with Fairbanks and Preminger and that she nearly walked out on filming, but decided against it on the advice of her agent. However, Grable's biggest hit so far in her career would be Springtime in the Rockies (1942). Granted, beautiful Betty won most of the pageants, but Lillian didnt stop there. Sadly, Betty Grable passed young. He and Betty Grable were engaged in 1935 and married on November 20, 1937, and they divorced on October 11, 1939. Zanuck relented to Grable's own request not to tamper with her successful screen formula. Betty Grable was born Ruth Elizabeth Grable on December 18, 1916, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her next film, That Lady in Ermine, (1948), co-starred Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.; and would become only a moderate success. Grable was particularly noted for having the most beautiful legs in Hollywood and studio publicity widely dispersed photos featuring them. Betty finally landed a substantial part in By Your Leave (1934). View source image (1930), New Movietone Follies of 1930 (1930), Happy Days (1929) and Let's Go Places (1930)), initially billed as 'Frances Dean'. children and others? Betty Grable Lyrics: When I used to be a little kid / I used to go / Every Saturday afternoon / To the picture show / Close up to the screen / My life wasso serene / I lived through every scene / With Yet again, rumors swirled about the set environment during the shoot, with many whispering that the two sparring starlets detested each other. When Grable saw the win, she might have been stung. Another win for shine theory. Pin Up Girl received poor reviews but was a tremendous box-office success. (1942) by Libbie Block.. Pin Up Girl capitalized on Grable's . She briefly returned to filming to make a cameo in Do You Love Me (1946), in which she appeared as a fan of her husband Harry James' character. They fired her unceremoniously. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. In 1952, Grable began renegotiating her contract with Fox. When they were together, they starred in the comedic picture Million Dollars Legs. 'Tochter und mutter' [5], Throughout her career, Grable was a celebrated sex symbol. Thisdid not go how she planned. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack, who passed away on September 8, 2011. In 1943 Grable married jazz trumpeter and band leader Harry James. The story was about a singer who hopes for a better future when she marries an English duke. Using her famous pin-up pose, she did a series of commercials for Playtex Shorties just to make back some of the money her husband had lost. RE: Calisphere: Request high-resolution copy of item for Betty Grable's youngest daughter at funeral service. She cared more for her family than stardom.Betty Grable died at age 56 of lung cancer on July 2, 1973 in Santa Monica, California, five days before Veronica Lake's death. The beauty of her legs was so famous that her studio got her legs insured for $1,000,000, giving her the nickname, The girl with the million dollar legs. As the pin-up queen of the world, Grable lived a scandalous life thats the stuff of Hollywood movies. take care of her 7 daughters. [63], She was included in the list of 100 Photographs That Changed the World by Life.[64]. Walter Sanders The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock Betty Grable getting cold cream applied to her legs by LIFE photographer Walter Sanders as he prepares her for a photo session at studio. When the couple had their first-born daughter, they named her Victoria Elizabeth, after Grables character in the film Springtime in the Rockies. She also has a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians in 2009. http://www.house.mo.gov/famous.aspx?fm=52. The film earned more than $3.5 million at the box office and was well received by critics. What happened to Betty Grable's daughters? Why do people say that forever is not altogether real in love and relationship. The film's plot closely followed the story of Grable's earlier hit Coney Island (1943). She suffered from lung cancer and died of the disease in 1973. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/betty-grable-3794.php, American Female Film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century Film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century American Film & Theater Personalities. She requested a higher salary and the option to make only those films she wanted to do. [24], Grable died of lung cancer on July 2, 1973 at the age of 56 in Santa Monica, California.[14][58]. In case it isnt clear just how much Betty Grable influenced American culture, get a load of this. That wasnt all Grable did for Monroe. "I've had contracts with four studios in 10 years and each time I left one or was dropped, I stepped into something better.". The No.1 pin-up girl of the World War II era, her photograph in a bathing suit pose went on to achieve iconic status and was included in the project "100 Photographs that Changed the World" by the Life magazine. Though James eventually divorced his first wife to make an honest woman out of Grable, dont go thinking this came from the goodness of his heart. Hnt pidetn ensimmisen ja alkuperisen pin-up-tyttn ja amerikkalaisena ikonina. Betty Grable was an American actress and dancer once known as the woman with the most beautiful legs in Hollywood. Only, fame didnt come without drama. Betty Grable's pinup snap made LIFE magazine's "100 Photos that Changed the World." (Getty Images) Grable set a record of 12 consecutive years in the top 10 of box office stars. did not even attend Betty Grables funeral. Lorry Jones ( Betty Grable) is a secretary by day and a favorite pin-up/hostess at her local USO canteen by night, where she signs photos, sings, and dances with the servicemen. When Monroe withdrew from the production, she was replaced with Sheree North. parents in Hollywood; except for Joan Crawford. Actress | Dancer Born Ruth Elizabeth Grable on Dec. 18, 1916 in St. Louis, MO. and the stresses split the couple up by 1939. I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. Uh. For all her good-girl looks and apple pie charms, Grable lived one scrappy existence as a struggling starlet. Instead of taking a step back and saying Hmm, maybe I shouldnt force my daughter into child labor, Lillian just grew more unhinged and determined. We recommend you include the following information in your citation. With that pin-up and as the star of lavish musicals, Betty became the highest-paid star in Hollywood. Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy noted on National Public Radio's Morning Edition on April 23, 2007, in an interview with Terry Gross that Grable was his inspiration for founding the Playboy empire. But now meet "Mommie"Mrs. What happened to Betty Grable's daughters? Her 1951 film Meet Me After the Show was one of the last musicals she appeared in. It is steeped in lurid stories about deceased stars who would die if they rea Betty Grable had several nicknames during her career like: "the girl with the million dollar legs," "the quick-silver blonde," "the queen of the Hollywood musical," and "the darling of the forties." In 1932 (real age 15), she signed with RKO Radio Pictures and began to use the moniker 'Betty Grable'. There was just one problem. So, how much is Betty Grable worth at the age of 57 years old? Despite their lack of quality, Grable's movies were immensely popular and Fox regularly channeled the profits it received from Grable's movies into their more prestigious movies. After the release of the 1951 poorly reviewed musical, Meet Me After the Show, Grable took a break from acting; turning down the lead role in The Girl Next Door, a role that would eventually go to rival June Haver. Grable var gift frsta gngen 1937-1939 med Jackie Coogan och andra gngen 1943-1965 med jazztrumpetaren Harry James, med vilken hon fick tv barn. The screenplay was based upon two plays by Zoe Akins and Dale Eunson and Katherine Albert. In the James household, every holiday is a special day for the children. The exhausted starlet took up on Broadway instead in the musical DuBarry Was a Lady. After a year off from filming, Grable reluctantly reconciled with Fox and agreed to star in a musical remake of The Farmer Takes a Wife (1953). Ultimate Radio Shows. He had five children (two by Tobin, two by Grable, one by Boyd) and (as of his death) 16 grandchildren. While on set, she met debonair bandleader Harry James, who also starred in the film. LAS VEGAS, Nev., April 2 (AP) Vicki James, 20yearold daughter of Betty Grable and Harry James, is engaged to a fellow University of Arizona student, William Wiley Bivens. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from Life to Compact Cars and Trucks to A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius. Well get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics youre interested in. The film was a success but Grable's next film The Dolly Sisters, co-starring rival June Haver, was Fox's second biggest success of the year; with the first being Leave Her to Heaven. Grable then worked in small roles at different studios for the rest of the decade, including the Academy Award-winning The Gay Divorcee (1934), starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, where she was prominently featured in the number "Let's K-nock K-nees". On August 10, 1941, he married Flower Parry (d.1981). She was interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery. The film was moderately successful and quickly was followed by Meet Me After the Show (1951), co-starring Macdonald Carey, Rory Calhoun, and Eddie Albert. Stardom came in such comedies as Coney Island (1943) and Sweet Rosie O'Grady (1943).The public was enchanted with Betty. James was a serial philanderer who simply could not keep it in his pants, married or not. She was born as Elizabeth Ruth Grable to John Conn Grable and Lillian Rose Hofmann. 1943 was a massive year for Betty Grable: She was the most valuable Hollywood star, ending the year as the top earner at the box office. But when Lillian found herself pregnant again she was not going to give up her baby- no matter what Conn said. Previous to this, she was doing bit parts appearing with Lucille Ball and Paulette Goddard, also Goldwyn Girls, in other Cantor films titled Palmy Days and The Kid From Spain. While in Las Vegas, she took the opportunity to begin starring in her own productions, and later productions with her husband Harry James. While Grable was on Broadway, studio head Darryl F. Zanuck saw her perform and knew that not only was she destined to be a star; she already was a star. Grable and Coogan divorced later that same year (October 1939). Betty Grable was the pinup queen and inarguably the biggest star of the 1940's, according to box-office records. 2013. The purchase of two pintos put the Jameses in the ranch business. Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe. Which caused bitterness that did not end with her She told the studio she wanted a raise. My mom never told me how her best friend died. They had two children together: daughter Leslie Diane Coogan was born in Los Angeles, while son Christopher Fenton Coogan was born in Riverside County . Betty Grable (1916-1973) Birth name: Elizabeth Ruth Grable Birthdate: Monday, December 18th, 1916 Location: St Louis, Missouri, USA Died: Monday, July 2nd, 1973 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Cause of death: Lung cancer Housekeepers, nannies and themselves. Her second marriage was to trumpeter Harry James in 1943. It just simply wasnt enough. After Grable left Fox, the studio moved Monroe into her old dressing room, which still had her name on the door. As a member of the ensemble group of attractive young chorines, Grable appeared in a series of small parts in movies, including the mega-hit Whoopee! As a publicity stunt, Grables studio went and actually insured her stems for a literal million dollars at the height of her fame. Grable entered into a relationship with a dancer, Bob Remick, several years her junior. By 1930, she had worked as a chorus girl before signing with legendary Hollywood producer Samuel Goldwyn. We want our readers to trust us. contributor's website. One day, James and Grable found out that she was pregnant. Betty made her debut as a chorus girl in the film Happy Days in 1929 when she was 12 years old. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. After reviewing her screen test, Zanuck cast Grable as Faye's replacement in the movie. Later, she starred in big Las Vegas stage productions such as Hello, Dolly. Herepaid her with another cruel trick. Bettys breakout turn came in the 1940 feature Down Argentine Way, after having been in the entertainment industry for more than a decade.Betty entered into World War II one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, and she would become an even bigger name after becoming a military-endorsed pin-up girl whose picture was passed around by American soldiers. The film told the story of two aging vaudeville performers as they look back on their heyday through a series of flashbacks. Unfortunately, the public did not seem to take notice.The following year, she married former child star Jackie Coogan. The Gay Divorcee. death. Less than a decade later, 20th Century Fox would literally ensure Bettys legs for a million dollars. Grable's success as a pin-up girl furthered her career as a mainstream movie star. The 13-year-old became the meal ticket, though she had periods of little success. The film was a remake of the 1943 film Coney island. : Betty Grable's youngest daughter at funeral service, : Betty Grable's casket carried out of church, : Betty Grable's daughter at funeral service, : Betty Grable's sister at funeral service, : Jackie Coogan at Betty Grable's funeral, : All Saints Episcopal Church, Beverly Hills, : Mae Murray and Gilbert Roland say farewell to her, too, : Betty Grable's husband fights for his childhood fortune, : Betty Grable is chosen "Miss Dental Health", : Marion Davies attends Dr. Harry W. Martin's funeral, : From all walks of life, they come to say, 'So Long Al. Betty grable Early life Elizabeth Ruth Grable was born on December 18, 1916 in St. Louis, Missouri. I feel so sorry for Hollywood children. Betty was just 13 but her mother arranged for her false identification papers so that she could perform. Walter Sanders The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock Original caption: "Betty poses the legs for a still shot on a studio beach set. They had two children together. Yep, that Judy Garland. The couple had two daughters. [32] The picture was released as a poster and became the most requested photo for G.I.s stationed overseas. She starred along with Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall as gold-diggers in the 1953 romantic comedy How to Marry a Millionaire. Despite her success, she suffered from a fear of crowds and sleepwalking. Grable was particularly noted for having the most beautiful legs in Hollywood and studio publicity widely dispersed photos featuring them. Every item on Calisphere has been contributed to the site by a California institution. Daughter of John Conn Grable and Lillian Rose Grable Birthday: December 18, 1916 (Sagittarius), Born In: St. Louis, Missouri, United States. When Lillian couldnt find any new dance class or pageant to enrol Betty in, she turned to her own friends to get her fame fix. I've had mine! [50] She also appeared on Broadway in Hello Dolly in 1967. Besides the insatiable womanizing, Grables second husband Harry James had other horrific qualities to round out his nomination for Worst Husband Ever. Body shape: Hourglass: Dress size (US): 8: Breasts-Waist-Hips: 36-23-35 inches (91-58-89 cm) With the Great Depression looming, Lillians frenzy to make her daughter into a star took an even more chilling turn. Although critics acknowledged that the film "momentarily achieved" brilliance, they also felt that the movie's music was like "sticky toothpaste being squeezed out of a tube". [20] This eventually led to her having chorus girl jobs in Let's Go Places (1930) and New Movietone Follies of 1930 (1930). [37], Grable was cast in That Lady in Ermine (1948), a film project that had previously been considered for either Jeanette MacDonald or Gene Tierney. She was a heavy smoker for most of her life, and the disease had advanced frighteningly. She was entered in multiple beauty contests, many of which she won or for which she achieved considerable attention. Were always looking for your input! As well see, Grable didnt have the best judgment when it came to her love lifeand when she married the classic comedian and child actor Jackie Coogan in 1937, their relationship was a full-on mess. In the late 1930s, Grable signed a contract with Paramount Pictures, starring in several B-movies, mostly portraying co-eds. After Lubitsch's death early in production, Otto Preminger took over. She was entered in multiple beauty contests, many of which she won or for which she achieved considerable attention. Wearing a white one-piece bathing . These films included, Pigskin Parade (1936), This Way Please (1937), College Swing (1938), and Man About Town (1939). Well, Raft quickly proved just how tough he was: He beat Grable, who fled from the relationship. Despite the similarities, it had new songs written and dances choreographed to modernize the film. Pan American Jubilee (Remastered) - Single. Who were the models in Van Halen's finish what you started video? Soon after James and Grable started seeing each other, she had an unpleasant visit from the Ghost of Boyfriends Past. To hide her baby hump, she turned her back to the camera, and a legend was born. Her legs were insured for $1,000,000. Betty Grable Popularity. In 1941, she was cast in the Technicolor musical Moon Over Miami, again with Don Ameche, her co-star in Down Argentine Way. Her first movie appearance was as a Goldwyn Girl in the musical comedy Whoopee! Because of her youthful appearance she was soon typecast in movies playing the role of a college student. In 1939, she appeared opposite her then-husband Jackie Coogan in Million Dollar Legs,[14] a B-movie comedy that gave Grable her famous nickname. This made her one of the original Goldwyn Girls, along with the inimitable Lucille Ball and Paulette Goddard. They looked after each other. Betty Grable was a beloved Hollywood actress that became the highest-paid star of her time after working her way up for years in the entertainment industry.Contents of this video00:00 - Intro00:32 - Body06:56 - OutroLike this content? School for Romance. Undaunted by this, Betty Grable was presented at the casting offices of Samuel Goldwyn Productions and was on her way with a contract; at the age of 13, she was playing a chorus girl in a Hollywood film. Despite her success, she suffered from having a fear of crowds and sleepwalking. Sister of Victoria Elizabeth James. [62], Her iconic pin-up image was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential Photographs of All Time. [29], In 1941, Fox attempted to broaden Grable's acting and audience range by casting her in two films with more serious intent than those in which she had starred previously. Join Facts Verse as Betty Grables daughter shares new details on pin-up career.Betty Grable's Daughter Shares New Details on Pin-Up Career In 1939, Grable appeared with her then husband, Jackie Coogan (married in 1937), in Million Dollar Legs, a low-budget B-movie. It enjoyed reasonable success at the box office, particularly overseas. She had Dutch, English, German, and Irish ancestry. Grable died in 1973 at age 56 of lung cancer. The two hit it off, marrying a year later. Song of the Islands. The Farmer Takes a Wife. Betty Grable was in relationships with John F. Kennedy (1943), George Raft (1942), Victor Mature (1941), Robert Stack (1940 - 1941), Mickey Rooney (1940), Artie Shaw (1939), George Stevens (1935), Alexis Thompson, Peter Lawford and Oleg Cassini.