Betty Grable biography

Betty Grable was an American actress, singer, and dancer who achieved fame as one of the leading pin-up girls of World War II and as a popular star in musicals and comedies during the 1940s and 1950s. Here’s a brief overview of her life and career:

1. Early Life: Betty Grable was born on December 18, 1916, in St. Louis, Missouri, as Elizabeth Ruth Grable.
2. Early Career in Hollywood: Grable began her career as a chorus girl and made her film debut in the 1929 film “Happy Days.” She gradually worked her way up in Hollywood with small roles.
3. Breakthrough in Musicals: Grable’s breakthrough came with her appearances in musicals, particularly “Down Argentine Way” (1940) and “Tin Pan Alley” (1940), which showcased her singing and dancing abilities.
4. 20th Century-Fox Star: Grable became one of 20th Century-Fox’s biggest stars during the 1940s. She was known for her stunning looks and had her legs insured for a million dollars.
5. Box Office Success: Grable became the highest-paid woman in the United States and the top-salaried American woman during the mid-1940s. Her films, including “Springtime in the Rockies” (1942) and “Moon Over Miami” (1941), were major box office successes.
6. Pin-Up Girl: Grable’s famous pin-up photo, taken by Frank Powolny, became one of the most iconic images of World War II and adorned the walls of many soldiers.
7. Marriage and Family: Grable was married three times. Her third and final marriage was to jazz trumpeter Harry James, with whom she had two daughters.
8. Post-War Career: After World War II, Grable continued her successful film career, starring in movies like “Mother Wore Tights” (1947) and “How to Marry a Millionaire” (1953).
9. Television Career: Grable transitioned to television in the 1960s with appearances on various shows, including “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” and “The Betty Grable Show.”
10. Later Years and Retirement: Grable gradually withdrew from the entertainment industry in the 1960s. Her last film was “How to Be Very, Very Popular” (1955).
11. Death: Betty Grable passed away on July 2, 1973, at the age of 56, due to lung cancer.

Betty Grable’s legacy includes being one of the most beloved and successful actresses of the 1940s, known for her beauty, talent, and contributions to the morale of the U.S. military during World War II.

Trivia of Betty Grable

Certainly! Let’s explore some trivia about Betty Grable:

1. Leg Insurance: Betty Grable’s legs were so famous that they were insured by her studio, 20th Century-Fox, for a whopping one million dollars. This was a significant publicity stunt at the time and highlighted her status as a symbol of beauty.
2. World War II Pin-Up: Betty Grable’s pin-up photo, featuring her in a swimsuit, became one of the most popular and enduring images of World War II. The photo, taken by Frank Powolny, was widely distributed and adorned the lockers of many soldiers.
3. Top Box Office Star: In the 1940s, Grable was one of the top box office stars in Hollywood. She consistently ranked among the highest-paid actresses in the United States during that period.
4. Record-Smashing Salary: At the peak of her career, Betty Grable set a record as the highest-paid woman in the United States, earning a salary of $300,000 per year.
5. Musical Talents: Grable was not only known for her acting and beauty but also for her musical talents. She sang and danced in many of her films, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.
6. Three Marriages: Betty Grable was married three times. Her marriages were to Jackie Coogan (1937–1939), bandleader Harry James (1943–1965), and choreographer/director Bob Remick (1966–1973).
7. Daughters with Harry James: Betty Grable and Harry James had two daughters together, Victoria Elizabeth James and Jessica James.
8. Television Ventures: In addition to her film career, Grable appeared on television in the 1960s, guest-starring in popular shows like “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” and “The Betty Grable Show.”
9. Hollywood Walk of Fame: Betty Grable was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the motion picture industry. Her star is located at 6525 Hollywood Boulevard.
10. Final Film Role: “How to Be Very, Very Popular” (1955) marked Betty Grable’s final film role before her gradual withdrawal from the entertainment industry.
11. Posthumous Recognition: Betty Grable received a posthumous star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.

Betty Grable’s impact on Hollywood, her iconic status during World War II, and her enduring legacy as a symbol of glamour and talent make her a memorable figure in the history of American entertainment.